I Samuel 9:14-16
‘So they went up to the city. As they came into the city, behold, Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the high place. Now a day before Saul’s coming, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel saying, “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin…”‘
I love this conversion of two perspectives. Saul is busy searching for his family’s lost donkeys. They looked everywhere. Saul remembered that Samuel the prophet was in the area, so they are on their way. He thinks it’s his idea. Samuel has a completely different perspective. Today’s passage points out that this was all orchestrated by the Lord. Either He prompted the donkey’s to stray or he used the opportunity.
God guides all of us to some degree, but He guides His children in a special way. It’s all done similarly. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” We pray about things and ask for the Lord’s guidance. If scripture is relevant, then we obey it. However, life’s circumstances often aren’t moral, so we do what we think is best. Saul planned his way, but the Lord directed him to Samuel.
There is another scripture that refers to God’s guidance. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.” What’s true for the king, is true for the commoner. The Lord influences our thoughts without our knowledge. This is true for the believer and the nonbeliever.
God’s power and knowledge are unending. There are eight billion people on the earth; the Lord interacts with our thoughts and actions all at once. If He wasn’t loving and supportive this would be frightening, as our thoughts could be embarrassing. His love is as great as His knowledge. We need not fear.
We can utilize His knowledge of us for our good. Psalms 139:23, 24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there be any hurtful way in me. And lead me in the everlasting way.” We’ve got problems and issues that we aren’t aware of. David asks the Lord to scan his heart and for assistance.
God doesn’t overwhelm us with repairs. He knows our fragile balance of well being and brokenness. He wisely makes us aware of what we can handle. Yes, disappointment is part of the process, but His loving presence comforts us and His Joy gives us hope.
Lord, thank You for Your great knowledge and Your love. Thank You for being involved in our daily lives. Thank You for Your gentleness and the restoration of our lives. You are good.