Pleasing God

God established Saul as King of Israel and Samuel was God’s messenger at the time to give instructions to the King. God’s instructions to Saul was to completely destroy the army of the Amalekites and to also destroy all their goods and cattle. Saul won the battle and destroyed the armies but decided to keep the best of the spoils and cattle at the suggestion of the people. And due to Saul’s disobedience God told Samuel that he regretted making Saul King. (1 Samuel 15:1-9)

Saul had a greater desire to please the people that he did God. He feared the rejection and disapproval of others more than he feared God. How many times have we heard the voice of God and refused to act out of fear of the disapproval of others? It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. (Psalm 118:8)

If we believe that God is all knowing and that he has our best interest at heart, then we will trust what he says and act on his instructions. Bear in mind that every time God gives an instruction, you can expect a contrary voice pointing you in another direction. How many times have we missed the turn towards something significant in our lives because we listened to the wrong voice? Have you ever had the feeling that you were going in a circle year after year and never making any progress? You are probably listening to the wrong voice.

Paul said that we should build each other up so that we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when the devil tries to trick us with lies that sound so clever that they sound like the truth. (Ephesians 4:14)

We have to learn to hear and harken to the voice of God and resist the devil who knows how to disguise himself as an angel of light. Trust in what God says and when you are sure that he is speaking, act on what he says. If you struggle to discern his voice then seek him and take counsel from those who know God. Not everyone who claims to be a believer is in relationship with God or hears his voice. Beware of false prophets and stay tuned to God so you are not deceived. Step out in faith when God points you in the right direction and live to please God.

A.P.-Y.