When Children Stray Insecurities Loom | 1 Samuel 8:1-3

Are your insecurities overshadowing your faith?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us."

Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:1-3, which reads:

When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice. — 1 Samuel 8:1-3

First, as we read these verses, we are drawn to the comparison between Eli and his sons and Samuel and his sons. Many commentators have attempted to dissect the similarities and differences, but one detail stands out. Samuel was a faithful follower and judge of Israel throughout his life.

Second, as a parent and spiritual leader, these verses especially cause me to stop and reflect. When I read them, I immediately insert myself into the story and play forward the lives of my children. I think about my daughter, both of my sons and my son-in-law. More than anything in this life, I want them all to know Jesus. I hope what is said here will never be told about my children. Yet I also realize that my children have to make their own decisions about Jesus and that I have a spiritual responsibility to lead them, but I am not spiritually responsible for them.

Let me pause and say this is also true for you. You have a spiritual responsibility to not for your children. I know parents are reading this devotional today who have children who do not fear or follow the Lord. They have turned aside, and your heart is heavy for them. All I can tell you is that you should never give up hope. Here are four things you can do. First, you can pray for them. Second, you can speak the truth to them. Third, you can live obediently to Jesus and pray this impacts them. Fourth, you can hold onto all hope. If this is you today, I will pray for you and your children today.

But back to the text.

Two factors create tension in the chapter. The first factor is Samuel's old age as a judge and leader. The second factor is the looming reality that they lack a suitable successor because his sons are unjust judges.

Isn't it interesting that old age and disobedient children create a leadership concern, which gives the opportunity to wedge God out of the nation? You cannot make this up. The timing of this text and what is happening in our country are fascinating.

These two factors open the door to all kinds of insecurity about the future. They create a swelling concern that is not resolved by faith in God but faith in a man—the appointment of the first king of Israel. God will be edged out as King, and the people will insist on a king like all other nations. And it is right here in human history where the Theocracy ceases, and the Monarchy rises.

Leadership insecurities can cause people to think irrationally and act disobediently. This is true in a nation, a business, a church, or a family. The important thing is to anticipate the insecurities or acknowledge them when they occur and find the right solutions for them. Looking ahead in the chapter, the insecurities anticipated create a bit of a national crisis, which leads the people to find the wrong solution to the wrong problem, which complicates their relationship with God.

Here's a prayer for you today:

God, today I pray for all parents with children who do not believe in you. Please draw them back to you. Help us be faithful in praying for them, speaking the truth to them, and modeling obedience. And God, in all our insecurities, lead us to faith in you and not faith in mankind. Amen.

#FaithfulParenting, #TrustInGod, #OvercomingInsecurity

Ask This:
How can you actively demonstrate your faith and trust in God to your children, even when they seem to be straying from His path?
In what areas of your life are insecurities leading you to seek human solutions rather than trusting in God's guidance and provision?
Do This:
Be faithful in your insecurities.

Pray This:
Lord, help me to trust You completely with my children's lives and to guide them with faithfulness and love. Grant me the strength to overcome my insecurities and to lead by example, always pointing them toward You. Amen.

Play This:
With Confidence.