Have you ever thought about who is the first person you go to when you get in a bind or when you are upset about something – or just need to talk to someone?  Well, of course the right answer is to go to our dear friend, Jesus and ask for His guidance, strength, and ability to handle our issues and problems.  I am as guilty as anyone else that often I want to take my own problems into my own hands.  It is usually as a last resort that I turn to Jesus for help. I realize quickly when I receive God’s help or my prayer is answered, I made the mistake of turning away from Him.

In 1 Samuel 29:3-19, Samuel has died. Saul had depended on him for guidance to handle the Philistines. He was deathly afraid of them. Because Saul “did not obey the voice of the Lord, and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek” (v.18), the Lord has turned from Saul. So, even though Saul forbid mediums, he disguises himself and seeks a woman out, named Endor.  Saul has Endor, the medium, to wake Samuel from the dead to get direction on how to handle the Philistines.  Samuel does appear, but also tells Saul that he will be joining him the next day.  In other words, Saul has been told the day of his death.  Saul is devastated and afraid.

I’ve been somewhat confused as to why God left Saul, other than we do know that Saul did not do what God asked him to do.  But, all I can think about is how many times I do not do what God has asked of me!  As I have read through the Book of Samuel, there is only one conclusion that I can come to – Saul never repents for his mistakes!  Our God is a forgiving God; however, our sin keeps us from God!  It’s really just that simple!  We cannot have a relationship with God with our sin.  We have to acknowledge our sin and pray for God’s forgiveness.

When you need a friend, someone to help you through your difficult days – turn to Jesus.  Saul not only did not repent, but turned away from God – even before God turned from him.  Don’t make the same mistake – Acknowledge your wrong doings – own it!  Jesus will guide you and give you the strength to work through your difficult days.

Let us pray…Dear Jesus, we mess up a lot!  Forgive us.  Help us to return to you in the midst of our problems and difficult days.  We pray we never turn from you, but repent and come to you.  In your name we pray, Amen.