How can we ensure God is with us, unlike Saul in 1 Samuel 28:16? Setting the Scene “Samuel said, ‘Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has departed from you and has become your adversary?’” (1 Samuel 28:16) What Went Wrong for Saul • Persistent disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23) • Refusal to repent when confronted (1 Samuel 15:30) • Jealousy and self-reliance rather than trust in God (1 Samuel 18:8-12) • Consulting forbidden spiritual powers (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; 1 Samuel 28:7) Timeless Principles for God’s Nearness • Whole-hearted obedience brings fellowship; rebellion severs it (John 14:21; 1 Samuel 15:26) • God draws near to humble, repentant hearts (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 51:17) • Seeking guidance from His Word, not counterfeit sources, honors Him (Isaiah 8:19-20) • A steadfast, undivided heart invites His support (2 Chronicles 16:9) Practical Steps to Stay Close Today • Submit to God’s authority – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. … Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8) • Confess and forsake sin immediately – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9) • Guard against grieving or quenching the Spirit – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30) – “Do not extinguish the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) • Feed on Scripture daily and obey what it says (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11) • Choose holy living in every sphere – “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16) • Rely on Christ’s continual intercession (Hebrews 7:25) rather than human or occult substitutes Encouragement from the New Covenant • The indwelling Spirit is a permanent seal for all who trust Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14) • Obedience motivated by love ensures ongoing intimacy: “The one who loves Me … I will love him and reveal Myself to him” (John 14:21) • Nothing can separate believers from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39) Remain yielded, repentant, and obedient, and the promise stands: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). |
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