Sometimes the worst thing that can happen to us is that we get what we want. Israel wanted a king to fill a role that was God’s prerogative alone to fill for her. But as we read in the last chapter the people insisted on getting what they wanted despite God’s warning that it was not the best thing for them. So, God gave them what they wanted. They got someone who filled all the criteria of a worthy king in worldly terms. At first, as we shall see as we read on in the next chapter, things will go well. But it will not take long before the people’s choice goes bad. There is not always a clear explanation for why God does not answer our prayers, and we are best to avoid trying to understand God’s ways logically. But often the reason why God does not give us what we ask for is because he knows that what we request is not the best thing for us or others in the long run. Be thankful that God does not always give you what you ask for. However, it is an important mark of growth that your prayers become more and more aligned with what God does want. Pray in accordance with God’s revealed will in his Word. And, when you pray, ask God to guide your desires and your thoughts by his Spirit so that you will pray in alignment with his Spirit and his will.
Ask God to guide your prayers today and pray for things that you feel God put on your heart.
Read 1 Samuel 9 and 10
