1 Samuel 9 - Enter the Sovereignty of God

In this chapter, Saul was introduced. He was the chosen one from God whom to become the first king of Israel in history.

Saul was an odd handsome young man who was raised in a rich family. God had planned every signal details in Saul life, so that it led Saul became the king of Israel. "Incidences" such as the losing sheep from his father, the failure of finding the sheep, the suggestion from Saul's fellow to seek the seer, Samuel, the silver from the fellow so they could give it to the seer as a gift, those young ladies from the street who led Saul the way to Samuel, the answer from God to Samuel's prayer, etc. Each one incidence follows the other, the perfect plans, or we call it the sovereignty of God, because He is all powerful and all knowing.

One thing in my mind is that, even though anointing a king wasn't pleasing to God in the first place (if you take a look on chapter 8), yes, Israel had to bear their consequences of sin (1 Samuel 8:18), but God still took care for the Israel, by preparing a person become their king so that "he (the new king) shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines." (1 Samuel 9:16). It shows the deep love and kindness of God. This reminds me that God is love, and love is...

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthian 13)

If we go back to the plan that God had for Saul, we see the sovereignty of God, and that sovereignty is based on God's love to His people, even they have sinned against Him.

For God is so good, and His plan is perfect. But Romans 8:28 reminds me that only for those who follow and love Him can receive His blessing. "Everything Works Out for the Good for Those Who Love Him"

In 1 Corinthian 13, it talks about love. Love does not mean dominate or control. It is a choices to make. If you choose to love, follow His will, enter His sovereignty of life, this is where the true joy and peace in life.

Joy and peace doesn't mean we will have no "trouble" in life. If you put your shoes into Saul's feet, you might probably be anxious about your losing sheep or the failure of not finding the sheep. You might ask "why God allows me to lose my sheep!?" or you might worry that if your father would worries about you. But if we think about it, everything in Saul's story was part of His sovereign plan. Without losing the sheep, Saul won't be the king, according to His perfect plan. So in a way, we should not call them "trouble" in life, even it is how everyone in this world call it. You might not be understand why, but then it leads to trust, and prayer.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" Philippians 4:6

The biblical way of life, the way that God desires in us is:

- first ask yourself if you REALLY know and love your God

- if you do, ask if you really trust in His sovereignty, even in "trouble"

- if not, PRAY (this HAS to be it, no other way, don't listen to me though, go read your bible) so that God will show you the way. You seek His kingdom first, and you will find it. This is what this passage really means.

- reflect His goodness, have a thanksgiving heart, fellowship with one another

- remember His promises, non-stop having relationship with God. So that you may not sinned against Him.

- Seek, and you will find more about Him.

Once you allow Him to works through your life, enter His sovereignty plan, there will be peace and REAL security of life. Then it leads to joy, even in "trouble".

Allow Him to fulfill His wonderful plan in your life. Once you TRULY apply Him in your life, you will find wisdom to deal with different issues, according to His plan, yet "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God".

In the world standard though, live out your life biblically seems CRAZY and "unrealistic". I agree to that. That's why the road of truth is narrow.

Also see:

"What Is the Will of God and How Do We Know It?" by John Pipper