How to Recognize God’s Leading | 1 Samuel 9:1-2

What signs are you looking for when seeking God's direction?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 9. I've titled this chapter "Guided By God."

Today, our text is 1 Samuel 9:1-2, which reads:

There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. — 1 Samuel 9:1-2

When we need God’s direction, we often look for visible indications of his guidance. This text presents the first characteristics of the man Samuel appointed as the first king of Israel. Here are three. First, we are given his name, Saul, which means “to ask.” His name is almost providential since the people had just been asking for a king (1 Sam. 8:10). Second, Saul is described as a "handsome young man," someone who stood out physically. Third, "he was taller" than anyone else, illustrating his distinct stature among the people of Israel.

Saul walks onto the stage out of nowhere, fitting the prototype of what God knew they wanted—a divine, tall, and handsome man from among the people.

However, before reading too much into his physical characteristics, we must remember there is more to the story.

But here are a couple of keys to remember when looking for direction from God.

First, when seeking guidance from God, you must set aside your private desires and personal preferences. You need to focus on God's best for you, not what you think is best. If you are only focused on what you think is best, you may wrongly see God's will in something that is merely your will. This could be confirmation bias and not God giving you direction.

Second, when seeking guidance from God, you must look beyond physical attributes and characteristics. Saul's name and appearance were impressive, but there was still more to the story. Some things will happen in the coming Scriptures that will support these initial indicators. Still, you cannot let superficial characteristics and attributes be the only determining factors in God's direction. You need to look a little deeper for spiritual confirmation from God.

Look beyond the surface. Seek God's confirmation through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel. Don’t be swayed by what merely looks good or feels right. Dig deeper, trust in God’s guidance, and you’ll find the path he has laid out for you.

#GodsGuidance, #SeekHisWill, #SpiritualDiscernment

Ask This:
When seeking God’s direction in your life, how can you ensure that your personal desires and preferences don’t overshadow His will for you?
Think about a time when you relied on outward appearances or initial impressions to make a decision. How might you approach similar situations differently by seeking deeper spiritual confirmation from God?

Do This:

Seek divine guidance alone.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to set aside my personal desires and seek Your will above all else. Guide me to look beyond the surface and discern Your direction through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel. Amen.

Play This:

Be Thou My Vision.