How can we discern God's will today, unlike Saul in 1 Samuel 22? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 22:10: “And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” Ahimelech had sought the LORD for David, yet Saul twisted this act of priestly ministry into evidence of conspiracy. Saul’s rash anger and refusal to listen to God’s voice set the backdrop for learning how we can seek God’s will rightly today. Saul’s Missteps in Discerning God’s Will • Ignored prior revelation – Samuel had already told him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you” (1 Samuel 15:28). • Trusted rumor over truth – Relied on Doeg’s slanted report instead of verifying with Ahimelech. • Acted from fear and jealousy – Rash decisions flowed from self-protection, not God-dependence (22:8,13). • Silenced godly voices – Killed the priests who could have sought the LORD on his behalf (22:17-18). Guiding Principles for Discerning God’s Will Today • Stand on Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – The Spirit never leads contrary to the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Surrender the heart – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) – God’s will is found by yielded, not stubborn, hearts. • Seek the Spirit’s illumination – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) – The indwelling Spirit gives clarity Saul never embraced. • Pray for wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) – Prayer positions us to receive God’s perspective. • Listen for the Shepherd’s voice – “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) – Ongoing relationship fosters recognition. • Invite godly counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Unlike Saul, welcome faithful voices. • Read providence, but test it – Open doors matter (1 Corinthians 16:9), yet must align with Scripture and peace from God (Colossians 3:15). Practical Steps 1. Daily Bible intake: read, meditate, and note commands, principles, and promises. 2. Consistent prayer: ask specific questions and wait quietly. 3. Journal impressions that match biblical truth; discard those that don’t. 4. Discuss decisions with mature believers and church leaders. 5. Evaluate circumstances through the lens of God’s character and Word. 6. Move forward in faith when Scripture, Spirit-given peace, and counsel converge. Promises We Can Rest On • “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8) • “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Closing Encouragement Saul’s tragedy warns us, yet our Shepherd faithfully guides those who humble themselves under His Word, depend on His Spirit, and walk with His people. Discernment is not elusive; it is the promised privilege of every child of God who seeks Him wholeheartedly. |