Providential Guidance Everyday | 1 Samuel 9:7-14

Are you overlooking God's divine providence?

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, we pick up at the point of the story where Saul and his servant are out looking for their father's lost donkeys. They have exhausted their efforts, but they have heard there is a man of God close by, so they decide to inquire of him. Our text picks up in 1 Samuel 9:7-14, which reads:

Then Saul said to his servant, “But if we go, what can we bring the man? For the bread in our sacks is gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?” The servant answered Saul again, “Here, I have with me a quarter of a shekel of silver, and I will give it to the man of God to tell us our way.” (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today's “prophet” was formerly called a seer.) And Saul said to his servant, “Well said; come, let us go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was.

As they went up the hill to the city, they met young women coming out to draw water and said to them, “Is the seer here?” They answered, “He is; behold, he is just ahead of you. Hurry. He has come just now to the city, because the people have a sacrifice today on the high place. As soon as you enter the city you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat till he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately.” So they went up to the city. As they were entering the city, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way up to the high place. — 1 Samuel 9:7-14

What we discover in this text is a diversion from seeking natural solutions by natural efforts to seeking natural solutions by spiritual efforts. Saul has exhausted all his natural means and now turns to spiritual means. There is "a well-known prophet" living in the vicinity, so his servant persuades him to visit him to find a resolution in their search for a few lost donkeys. And as they approach the place where Samuel lives, the timing is providential. Samuel and Saul meet as God has determined. And in the coming text, we will see how providential this moment is.

Here is the application today.

Most of the time, we seek natural solutions to natural problems. Sometimes, that might be all that is needed. But believers should always look beyond the natural events, problems, and solutions in this life. God works through natural events to reveal supernatural things. He works through minor problems that are solved by natural means. He also works through big issues that are solved by spiritual means. When we realize that these are all his workings, we will see God's work more often and realize that he is always and perpetually guiding and leading us to see his will. You will see in the coming text that Samuel understood this, but Saul had yet to learn this.

Today, try to see God's work and guidance in everything that happens throughout your day. For example, when you solve a natural problem by natural effort, look beyond your ingenuity to the spiritual gift God imparted to you as the force behind this natural solution and praise God's supernatural work through you. If you start seeing life this way, you will see divine providence in all the moments of life, deepening and enriching your daily walk with the Lord.

#DivineGuidance, #GodsTiming, #SeekingProvidence

Ask This: How often do you rely solely on your own efforts to solve problems, and how might you actively seek God's guidance in those situations? Reflect on a recent experience where you've seen God's providence at work, whether through a natural solution or a spiritual intervention. How can recognizing His hand in these moments deepen your faith and trust in His guidance? Do This:

See providence in everything today.

Pray This:

Father, help me to recognize Your guiding hand in every aspect of my life, whether in small everyday challenges or significant decisions. May I trust in Your timing and seek Your wisdom, knowing that You are always working for my good. Amen.

Play This:

God Omniscient, God All Knowing.