Today’s Reading, 1 Samuel 9-12
Focal Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:24 “Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you.”
Most people tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive. I know I can fall into that trap often if I am not careful. I tend to focus on all the possible ways something could fail or go wrong. Then I want to find ways to either correct those problems or address them before it becomes a very large problem. My mentality is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Which means I am more focused on the negative than the positive.
However, in today’s reading we find that the opposite should be the believers natural tendency. Samuel the prophet is getting words from the Lord concerning Saul and his future kingship. Here he is letting the people know that if they do what is right the nation and their newly appointed king would not only survive but thrive. How would they happen? By fearing the Lord and worshipping him faithfully with one’s entire heart. Then Samuel tells the people to remember and consider the great things the Lord has done in their lives. This thinking can radically change the view of one’s life, especially in leadership.
So what about you? Do you focus on the negative or do you focus on what the Lord has done and will do again? I am letting you know that your thinking in this area will have a great impact on your Christian walk. If you don’t mediate on how God has delivered you in the past, life can become overwhelming. God is always doing something great in the lives of his people. You just have to be willing to see it and respond appropriately.
I challenge you today to make a list of events or situations that the Lord has helped you with in the past. Consider these things and remind the Lord that he has promised to be with his people. He has promised to be with every individual and they deserve to know this truth. Currently, I am facing a situation where I have to continually bring myself to his presence. He wants me to trust him in every detail. Unfortunately, I tend to put my ability before the Lords proven ability in my life.
I am not sure how your thinking is today. But I do believe that the Lord wants us to have a mentality that praises him in all situations. This will radically change our lives and those around us everyday.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Samuel 13-14
