The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Samuel 28:5,
"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."
The Philistines arrayed themselves against Saul and his army, and Saul became filled with terror.
Saul was the first king over God's chosen people, the people of Israel, so why was he so fearful? The answer lies in the accounts provided us about Saul. Saul was not a man of faith. Consequently, when he "inquired of the Lord" the Lord did not answer him. Saul was truly not one of those who, "live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7. The accounts of Saul demonstrate the opposite, he lived by sight, not by faith.
I am reminded that when we approach God in prayer, it must be couched in faith. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." James 1:5-8.
I am also mindful for myself that, "In him [Jesus Christ] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12. If we lack that faith, as James says, we should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such was the case for King Saul.
However, when we do approach God in faith, look what he can and might do for us! Jesus taught us, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22.
"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."
The Philistines arrayed themselves against Saul and his army, and Saul became filled with terror.
Saul was the first king over God's chosen people, the people of Israel, so why was he so fearful? The answer lies in the accounts provided us about Saul. Saul was not a man of faith. Consequently, when he "inquired of the Lord" the Lord did not answer him. Saul was truly not one of those who, "live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7. The accounts of Saul demonstrate the opposite, he lived by sight, not by faith.
I am reminded that when we approach God in prayer, it must be couched in faith. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." James 1:5-8.
I am also mindful for myself that, "In him [Jesus Christ] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12. If we lack that faith, as James says, we should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such was the case for King Saul.
However, when we do approach God in faith, look what he can and might do for us! Jesus taught us, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22.
How wonderful is that?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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