Listen

The Lord answered Samuel, “Comply with the people’s request—everything they ask of you—because they haven’t rejected you. No, they’ve rejected me as king over them. They are doing to you only what they’ve been doing to me from the day I brought them out of Egypt to this very minute, abandoning me and worshipping other gods. So comply with their request, but give them a clear warning, telling them how the king will rule over them.”

1 Samuel 8:7-9

Think

Our scripture for today is part of a larger story. In this story the Israelites reject God as ruler. Instead, they want a human king to rule them. God faithfully stays in relationship with them through Saul (the one who becomes king) and the prophet Samuel.

Time and time again in the Old Testament, the people continue to stray and reject God, but God remains faithful and keeps promises. Similarly, in the New Testament we are reminded of God’s character of faithfulness: “If we are disloyal, [God] stays faithful. Because he can’t be anything else than what he is” (2 Timothy 2:13).

Though we may reject or deny God, we are not left or abandoned. God desires to be the one who faithfully leads and guides us lovingly through this life. The question is whether we will allow ourselves to be led.

Amy Richards

Question to Ponder:

What is one way you can begin to trust God’s guidance in your life?

Pray

Lord, please be with me and show me your ways so I may walk in them today. Give me strength when I waiver in my trust of your love for me. Help me be patient to wait for your guidance. Today I need your guidance in…

Amen.

Go

Go into the world today knowing that you are a child of God. God goes before you, Christ is within you, and the Holy Spirit will guide you. God is faithful, and God’s love for you never ends.