1 Samuel Chapter 16: Verse 1 (NIV)
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
Samuel grieved for Saul because God had rejected him as king of Israel because of his attitude and disobedience. In the beginning Samuel had warned the people of Israel what might happen if they had a king like all the other nations. He knew this was not what God wanted for Israel. Yet once the king had been appointed, as the nation’s spiritual leader Samuel had invested a lot of time, effort and prayer mentoring and supporting Saul, only to be let down. It is therefore understandable for him to feel as he did. However, that feeling of grief seems to have gone on longer than it should because it earns Samuel a rebuke from God. He tells Samuel that its time to move on and leave what might have been behind. God had chosen another king, and Samuel had to go and anoint him.
There are times when we too may feel hurt or disappointed when things don’t seem to have worked out the way we hoped they would. Perhaps God said no to something we asked for, or someone we had supported or encouraged let us down. Whilst it is right to feel hurt or disappointed for a time, it is not good for us to dwell on what might have been. We can’t allow that hurt or disappointment to take root in our lives. We must keep our spiritual ears open so that when the right time comes, we can hear God’s voice telling us to move on and keep going.
We must leave the past in God’s hands and keep our focus on what lies ahead. After all, remember what happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back.
Dear Lord,
When things don’t work out as I hope, help me not to feel sorry for myself but commend the circumstances to You and pick myself up. Thank You that You will be with me as I move on to the next stage in my life, and I never walk alone because Jesus is indeed the Good Shepherd who will keep me on the right path. Thank You for Your grace and patience with me. Amen.