“I Am In Great Distress”

When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

1 Samuel 28:5-6

Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”

“I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”

Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done what he predicted through me. The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today. The Lord will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”

Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel’s words. His strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and all that night.

1 Samuel 28:15-20

King Saul had a unique response to danger at the end of his reign. He fell down, he was afraid, and there was no strength in him. He responded this way when the prophet Samuel told him the Philistines would attack Israel the next day, and the Lord would not help him.

We may be in a place of weakness and despair because of our rebellion or because of the difficulties of life. Anxiety can steal our strength, but God can renew our strength as we lean on Him. God is never weary of us asking for His help. He will reach down and revive us when we can’t take another step.

The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.

Our Daily Bread – September 9, 2014