I Samuel 9:20
“As for your donkeys which were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?”
This is such a common occurrence. We find ourselves in a troubling circumstance and are rapped up in worry. It may be present for weeks. Then all of the sudden, the Lord resolves it. We may have been greatly distressed with much time spent in prayer. Our minds are engrossed in it’s resolution. Then in an instant it’s over.
Sometimes the Lord orchestrates it. Other times it’s not from Him, but He can always use it. In today’s passage, the lost donkeys put Saul in a vulnerable place. It caused him to ask for the Lord’s help. God used that circumstance.
God does the same with us. Our circumstances don’t go to waste. This is the wonderful promise of Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It can only be God who can do this. We can make a mess of things. Our lives can look like a trailer park after a tornado. They can appear hopeless. Not so with God.
God’s involvement is so hopeful. This helps us keep our joy. We needn’t worry about rough times. We can praise Him in spite of them. We know that He will work it out. We can be curious, “I wonder how God can use this?” We can be excited, “God, You’ve turned my previous troubles around, I know You’ll do the same this time. Thank You.”
Saul learned that God was in control. He resolved the donkey problem and was about to launch him to great heights. He calls him “the most desirable in Israel.” His station changed in an instant. It was the same with Joseph; he finds himself in prison, then the next moment, he finds himself ruling Egypt.
We needn’t worry about our station. As long as we are being faithful, He’ll take care of us. We will be in rough circumstances. There’s nothing wrong with trying to improve them. We need to cast our worries upon Him. Doing so lessens our anxiety. Matthew 11:28, 29 says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Part of this learning includes God working things out for the best in time. Another lesson is that the Lord doesn’t want us to be ashamed (Psalm 25:3). We still feel it, but learn that it’s not from God and the He honors those that honor Him (I Samuel 2:30).
Lord, thank You that You are so involved in our circumstances. Thank You for the hope You give and that You’ll fix it.