Rejection

There are times when the disciplined Christian life can seem difficult. Clearly, we understand that our salvation does not depend on any merit or good works on our part, yet we long to live a life of freedom to honor God every day.

The people of Israel were just like us, struggling to live up to God’s standards. In 1 Samuel we read about the transition from being led by a judge/prophet to national leadership under a king. Now, God warned the people through Samuel that having an earthly king leading them would result in hardship and war, but they would not listen.

After all the warnings, Samuel records these tragic words in 1 Samuel 8:19-22: But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord. 22 The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”

We may never hear God say, “give them what they want”, but when we look back at our lives, we may see occasions when he seemed distant. Could it be that the Lord allowed us to experience the misery of a wrong direction in order that we would better understand his plan for us?

I have experienced such moments most often around financial decisions, typically purchasing something I didn't need to satisfy a natural longing. The hardship that followed was a constant reminder that I did not need to live this way. In addition, just like Israel, the pain was not easily resolved. Learning to make intentional choices to do what pleases the Lord is an ongoing process.

Heavenly Father, you are so patient with me. You see my heart and know that it is my desire to please you with each choice I make. Yet, even when I choose a different “king,” you allow me to learn the lessons to experience an even deeper joy. Protect me from making harmful choices that do not bring you glory and forgive me for rejecting your leadership in my life.

Throughout this day: Read I Samuel 8-10 and examine how Israel’s one decision led to a generation of misery.