Day: March 17, 2025

God Gives Direction (Mar 17)

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are
actually a single continuous story.
In 1 Samuel, the mood is despair;
in 2 Samuel, a ray of hope shines.
In 1Sam, Saul’s dynasty is destroyed;
in 2Sam,David’s dynasty secured.
But transition of power is not simple:
Proper mourning for departed king,
the inauguration of the new leader,
the purging of rebellious elements,
all these things must be done
before David can rule in peace.

Lord, we Seek Your Direction:
A man arrived fr Saul’s army camp…
Our entire army fled from the battle.
Many of the men are dead and Saul
and his son Jonathan are also dead.
David and his men tore their clothes
in sorrow when they heard the news.
They mourned and wept and fasted
all day for Saul… his son Jonathan
& for the Lord’s army (2S1:1-4,11-12)
David inquired of the Lord: Shall
I go to any of the cities of Judah?
The Lord said:Go up. David asked
Where? And He said: To Hebron.
So David went up there. Then
the men of Judah anointed David
king of Judah. And they told David:
The men of Jabesh Gilead buried
Saul. So David sent messengers
to Jabesh Gilead and said:
l’ll repay this kindness (2Sam 2:1-6).
The war betw the house of Saul and
the hse of David lasted a long time.
David grew stronger and stronger,
while the house of Saul grew
weaker and weaker (2 Sam 3:1).

Lord, we see David’s loyalty to
Your purpose as he mourned for
Saul who was the Lord’s anointed.
And because David trusted You God,
he would not rejoice in Saul’s death.
Give us Lord greater passion
for Your will and purpose rather
than our ambition and interest.
In Jesus ‘ precious name, Amen.

Lord, praise You for Your faithfulness
and we are inspired by David on
his dependence on You for success.
Prompt us Lord to Inquire of Your
will for guidance in the way to go.
When we don’t quite understand
why You move so slowly at times,
grant us sufficient signs to trust
that Your promises will be fulfilled.
Help us focus on Your purpose and
help us wait on Your timing. Amen.

Lord, we note that when Saul died,
David did not rush to make himself
the king of Israel. Help us Lord
not to assume that we know
what is best but seek wisdom
in Your Word and Your Spirit.
Help us Lord to inquire of You,
follow Your direction, and wait
patiently for Your promises to be
fulfilled for we trust in You. Amen.

Listen for the Lord Speaks

i’m Israel has been ruled by judges
for over 200 yrs. Eli and Samuel
are the last of those judges.
Samuel grows up in the tabernacle
as a priest-in-training under Eli
and is well qualified to serve
Israel as both a priest and a judge.
Although the nation had fallen
away from God, it is clear that
He is preparing Samuel to lead
the nation back to right living.

Lord, we aspire a Listening Heart:
One night, Samuel was sleeping
in the Tabernacle. Suddenly the
Lord called out: Samuel ! Yes?
Samuel replied: What is it? He
got up and ran to Eli: Here I am…
Eli realised it was the Lord who was
calling the boy. So he said to Sam
If someone calls again, say: Yes
Lord, Your servant is listening…
And the Lord came and called
as before: Samuel ! Samuel !
And Samuel replied: Yes, Your
servant is listening (1Sam 3:1-10).

Lord, call me out of my slumber;
speak for I want to hear what
You have to say into my life.
Make my heart come alive by
the power of Your word of life.
I don’t just listen to You in
order to consider my options
for I need Your direction and You
are my master and Sovereign God.
Speak Lord for Your servant
is listening. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, listening and responding are
vital in the relationship with You.
Quieten my mind and my heart
so that I can hear You clearly.
Remove Lord any distractions
that will keep me from being
attentive and open to what Your
Spirit is impressing on my heart.
Make me receptive to Listen to You
and willing to answer obediently
when You call on me. Amen.

Lord, I need Your divine direction
for my life; and I don’t just listen to
You in order to consider my options.
You know Lord my deepest needs
and You also love and care for me.
I purpose to commit that Your will
is my direction; for You are good.
I quieten my heart to hear what You
want to say. Speak Lord Shepherd
for Your sheep is listening. Amen.