How can we apply the lesson of seeking God's counsel in daily decisions? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 28 describes Saul’s frantic search for guidance. Because he had repeatedly rejected God’s word, the Lord was silent. Saul then turned to a forbidden medium, who urged him to eat: “Now please listen to your servant and let me set a morsel of bread before you so you may eat and have energy when you go on your way.” (1 Samuel 28:22) The king who once relied on the LORD now depended on a stranger. This moment warns against sidelining God’s counsel. What Went Wrong for Saul • Ignored Samuel’s earlier rebukes (1 Samuel 15:22-23) • Violated the ban on occult practices (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12) • Chose human and demonic help instead of repentance • Reaped fear, confusion, and downfall (1 Chronicles 10:13-14) Why Seeking God’s Counsel Matters Today • God promises guidance: “I will instruct you and teach you” (Psalm 32:8) • Human wisdom is limited: “There is a way that seems right… but its end is death” (Proverbs 14:12) • Neglecting the Lord’s voice adds needless burdens, just as Saul ended up relying on a medium even for strength. Practical Steps to Seek God’s Counsel Daily Bible Intake • Read and meditate; the Word lights the path (Psalm 119:105) • Remain under teaching that honors all Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Consistent Prayer • Bring every decision to the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7) • Ask for wisdom; He gives generously (James 1:5) Spirit-Led Obedience • Act on the light already given (John 7:17) • Reject any advice that contradicts Scripture (Galatians 1:8) Godly Counsel • Listen to mature believers (Proverbs 11:14) • Verify their counsel by the Bible Waiting with Faith • Allow time for God to speak (Psalm 27:14) • Avoid shortcuts that bypass His timing Scriptures That Reinforce the Practice • Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust and submission yield straight paths • Isaiah 30:21 — The Lord directs step by step • Jeremiah 33:3 — Calling on Him unveils hidden things • Joshua 9:14 — Failure to inquire led to deception • John 16:13 — The Spirit guides into all truth Blessings of Obedient Listening • Deep peace governing decisions (Colossians 3:15) • Protection from deception (1 John 4:1) • Fruitful, stable lives (Psalm 1:1-3) • Growing intimacy with the Shepherd who leads His sheep (John 10:3) Saul’s detour at Endor exposes the emptiness of substitutes for God’s voice. Daily, prayerful dependence on Scripture keeps believers on course and infuses every choice with heaven’s wisdom. |
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