SOAP 04/25/2012; 1 Samuel 30:7

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 30,31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12
     
S)"⁷ Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, 'Please bring me the ephod.' So Abiathar brought the ephod to David."
     

1 Samuel 30:7 (NASB)

    

O) So, David and his men have just returned home, after being banished from the front lines of battle against his own countrymen (see yesterday's post). Upon their return, they find their city burned and every person (wives, children, etc) and all of their possessions have been taken. In verse 4, it says he and his men cried until they couldn't cry anymore. But then, it's time for action. David's first reaction, before anything else, is to inquire of the LORD. That's dedication to the will of the Father that goes well beyond the average commitment. David and his men were fierce warriors and he was dealing with a lot of emotion, yet he still chose to stop what he wanted, to see what God had to say about it.
    
A) One of the biggest struggles in life is to control actions despite emotions. Certainly, bitter loss creates some of the most powerful emotions. Whatever the cause, it's important that my number one priority is always to seek the will of the Father. If I truly trust that His will is perfect for me, then I'll do what He says, regardless of how I feel about a situation, not matter how severe those feelings are. When my emotions flare, I need to take time to quiet the emotions before taking any actions, then inquire of the LORD.

     

P) Father, my prayer today is simple. Your will is perfect for my life, therefore, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I know this is easier said than done, but I also know the best time to commit to this sort of plan, is before there are severe problems. So, Holy Spirit, speak to me the will of the Father, especially now before there are big troubles. Let me inquire of You, God, and hear You clearly, so that I am certain of Your will. Help me make this a practice that comes easily, so that if or when calamity strikes, this is also my first reaction, regardless of my emotions. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.