Skip to main content

"Places of Panic"



1 Samuel 13:11-12 "When I saw that the men were scattering and that you did not come at the set time and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, I thought, now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord's favor. So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offerings." 

His own army was frightened and many began to retreat and hide from the enemy. The enemy was assembling to fight and outnumber the Israelites. Saul panics. He offers the burnt offerings to God. Samuel returns and gets angry with Saul for not trusting God and taking matters into his own hands. Why does Samuel get so upset?

Two reasons: 1. In Deuteronomy, it was a law that only the priest could offer the burnt offerings in certain times and in certain places. 2. Samuel said that he would surely offer the burnt offerings when he returned and Saul had not waited.

In the midst of difficulties and challenges, we can sometimes panic. Our fears get the best of us and we choose our way over God's way. While Saul's self-made maneuver seemed to be practical and necessary, Saul chose to react to his own thoughts and feelings in this place of panic instead of relying on God. This choice was one among many that put Saul on a path that led to self-imposed pride, self-reliance, and insecurity.

 In good times, it seems easier to be faithful to God's Word. But when difficulties arise, I can sometimes panic and choose my thoughts and feelings over God's way. Recognizing those places of panic as true opportunities for trusting God's way can become a true breakthrough moment for my journey of faith! (Proverbs 3: 5-6) The key question in those panic places of life: Will I trust God's love and good plan for my life over my circumstances and my own thoughts and feelings?

 Lord, when life seems uncertain and I find myself going into panic mode, help me to be steadfast in trusting You and Your way instead of relying on my own circumstances, thoughts, and feelings. Amen.

Jerry Sweat-
Jerry Sweat is Lead Pastor at Beach Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

welcome to my blog

Oh the waterfall of cleansing Grace! Welcome to my Grace blog.  I hope to both share and start a dialogue about Jesus Christ and how his life, relationships and teaching have a practical working value in our everyday lives. To go beyond our belief of Jesus... and into our belief in Jesus. I hope we can learn more about how the finished work of Christ on the cross empowers his work in us in our daily lives. I hope we can grow in His Grace and Wisdom! The name came from a Joseph Prince story in his book  "Destined to Reign"...here's the story: Prince tells the story of a young boy who found a rock out in the woods. Though it looked rough at first, he rinsed it in the small waterfall of a nearby stream. Turns out, the rock was marbly, smooth, and full of color. Not wanting to lose the rock, and afraid someone would take it from him if he took it home, he buried it back in the dirt in a tucked away place before he went home for the night. There, he left it. The ne...
5 comments
Read more

... that saved a wretch like me.

my story is not much different from any other alcoholic or drug addict who is in recovery. we sought out a higher power because our Lives be came on manageable. through much self examination we came to understand our defects in character... we reached out to others for fellowship and mentoring. I, as many have, came to believe in Jesus as my higher power and five years ago I accepted Christ... I got into a church and started reading my Bible. I slowly developed a thirst for knowledge of God in His Word. my grandmother has been sending Christian books for years and I just shelved them, so I already had a decent size Christian library. I also be came a big watcher of Christian television. I tried out several different churches... looking for a place I could feel at home in. having had a big interest in philosophy and world religions in college, I had sampled from the religion buffet. I guess you could say I became ravenous with my new found faith. I read and listen to anything I could ge...
3 comments
Read more

Giving Money Is One Way To Show Honor

PROVERBS 3:9-10 NKJ 9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. Giving money is not the only way to show honor, but it is one way. The word translated honor means to value. Honoring someone is a way of showing them, and others, that they are valuable to you. Scripture connects giving of money with honor. Specifically included are God, your parents, those who preach or teach the Word of God, and widows.  MATTHEW 15:4-6 NLT 4 For instance, God says, `Honor your father and mother,' and `Anyone who speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death.'" 5 But you say, `You don't need to honor your parents by caring for their needs if you give the money to God instead.' 6 And so, by your own tradition, you nullify the direct commandment of God.  1 TIMOTHY 5:17-18 NKJ 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double hono...
Post a Comment
Read more