What can we learn about seeking God's guidance in times of fear? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 28:4: “The Philistines assembled and camped at Shunem; Saul gathered all Israel and camped at Gilboa.” • Two armies face off—pressure, uncertainty, looming battle. • The very next verse records Saul’s reaction: “he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly” (v. 5). • How Saul handles that fear—turning to a medium instead of the LORD—becomes a cautionary tale for every believer. Recognize Fear for What It Is • Fear is often the doorway to either deeper faith or deeper failure. • Psalm 56:3 – 4: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You… in God I trust; I will not be afraid.” • Admitting fear is not weakness; letting fear redirect us away from God is. Seek God First, Not Last • Saul waited until panic set in before trying to inquire of the LORD (28:6). • Proverbs 3:5–6 calls us to “trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Build a reflex of prayer and Scripture before crisis strikes—storehouse faith. Listen for God’s True Voice • When God seemed silent, Saul turned to forbidden counsel (28:7). • Isaiah 8:19 warns against seeking mediums when “a people should seek their God.” • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice.” His word never contradicts Scripture. Wait Patiently for His Answer • God’s silence toward Saul was judgment for long-term disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23, 28:18). • Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the LORD; be strong… wait.” • Silence may call for confession, not desperation-driven alternatives. Obey the Light You Already Have • Saul had clear previous revelation—destroy Amalek, honor prophetic authority, purge idolatry—yet repeatedly rebelled. • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word.” Guidance unfolds for hearts already aligned in obedience. Guard Against Counterfeits • Fear tempts us to quick fixes—horoscopes, human wisdom, manipulative schemes. • 2 Corinthians 11:14: “Satan masquerades as an angel of light.” • Scripture anchors discernment; anything contradicting it is error, no matter how reassuring it seems. Apply the Lesson Today • Identify your “Shunem”—the circumstance stirring anxiety. • Immediately turn to prayer and the Word. Philippians 4:6-7 promises God’s peace will guard your heart. • Invite mature believers to stand with you (Proverbs 11:14). • Refuse shortcuts that compromise truth. • Keep obeying the last clear instruction God gave while you wait for further direction. Encouraging Reminder Psalm 34:4: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Seeking God early, honestly, and obediently transforms fear into confident dependence on the One who never fails. |
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