In facing trials and tough circumstances, you have choices to make. Will you do it your way or God’s way? Will you do in in your strength or through God’s empowerment? Will you be bitter or praise God for the opportunity to glorify Him? These were the choices that Samuel and Saul faced. Samuel decided to do it God’s way and Saul chose his own way.
The Lord asked Samuel how long he would grieve over Saul since He rejected him from being king. When God told Samuel to visit Jesse and select a king among his sons, he feared being killed by Saul. The Lord showed Samuel what to do in anointing for Himself one He designated. He did what the Lord said by sacrificing to the Lord and consecrating Jesse and his sons (1 Sam. 16:1-5). Instead of fear, obey God’s direction and worship Him from the heart.
He said, “Do not look at his appearance or height of his stature for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Jesse brought his youngest, a shepherd, and the Lord said to anoint him. The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward (1 Sam. 16:6-13). Instead of looking at outward appearances, allow God to fill your heart with His Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit terrorized him. Saul’s servants said music from the harp would make him well. They found David, a skillful musician, mighty man of valor, warrior, prudent in speech, handsome and the Lord was with him. Saul sent for David by asking Jesse to send his son as he was with the flock. Saul loved him and David became his armor bearer. Whenever an evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would play the harp and Saul would be refreshed, made well and the evil spirit would depart (1 Sam. 16:14-23). Instead of isolation, humble service opens door for favor from those in authority over us.
This section in 1 Sam. 16 follows Paul’s counsel in Eph. 5:15-21:
1. Walk wisely being careful how you walk
2. Understand God’s will through His word
3. Be filled with the Holy Spirit
4. Serve humbly as God opens the door
In a circumstance you are facing, take an applicable portion of Scripture that relates to it. Meditate on the passage, obey what God is telling you and serve humbly as He opens the door.
