Read the Bible in One Year: OT – 1 Samuel 10-12 NT – Luke 9:37-62
1 Samuel 10:9 – “When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day.”
God guides us, transforming us from within.
In life, we often find ourselves standing at crossroads, faced with important decisions or uncertain paths. It is during such moments that we yearn for guidance and direction. As believers, we are blessed to have a faithful and loving God who desires to lead us in every step we take.
Samuel is anointing Saul as the first king of Israel. Prior to this, the people of Israel had requested a king to rule over them, which Samuel initially viewed as a rejection of God’s direct rule. However, God instructed Samuel to heed the people’s request and anoint a king for them.
When Samuel anointed Saul with oil, a profound transformation took place. The Bible tells us that “God gave him another heart.” This signifies a divine intervention, a spiritual empowerment that would equip Saul to fulfill his newfound responsibilities as the leader of Israel. This anointing marked the beginning of Saul’s journey, and God’s guiding Spirit was now present with him.
The story of Saul’s anointing reminds us that God’s guidance is not merely about pointing us in the right direction; it involves transforming us from within. Just as Saul received “another heart,” when we seek God’s guidance, He often works within us, transforming our thoughts, desires, and attitudes to align with His perfect will. It is in this transformation that we find the strength, wisdom, and courage to navigate the path set before us.
Psalm 32:8 assures us that God will instruct and teach us in the way we should go, with His loving eye upon us. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. God’s guiding voice is ever-present, gently nudging us in the right direction and preventing us from straying off course (Isaiah 30:21).
To experience God’s guidance, we must cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him through prayer, reading His Word, and spending time in His presence. As we seek Him, His Spirit will speak to our hearts, offering clarity, peace, and wisdom. The Lord promises to establish our steps (Proverbs 16:9) and even when we fall, He will uphold us (Psalm 37:23-24). We can trust that His guidance will always align with His character, for He is a faithful and loving God.
As we reflect on the anointing of Saul, may we with the psalmist wait upon the Lord, seeking to know Him and His ways (Psalm 25:4-5), confident that He will equip us for the tasks ahead. In moments of uncertainty, let us turn to God, trusting in His guiding Spirit to illuminate our path and make our way clear.
Ponder
Do I actively listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow His promptings, or do I tend to rely on my own wisdom and plans?
Are there areas in my life where I have been resistant to God’s guidance or reluctant to step out in faith?
What steps can I take to actively align my thoughts, desires, and actions with God’s will and seek His guidance more intentionally in all areas of my life?
Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.
Jesus reached out to everyone, breaking down social barriers. Let’s follow His example and extend compassion to those in need. How can you show compassion today?
In our spiritual journey, let’s be wary of prioritizing man-made traditions over God’s word. Jesus teaches us that authenticity and heart condition matter more than mere appearances.
0 Comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks