I Samuel 16:1
“GOD addressed Samuel: ‘So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.’”
“Now the Lord said to Samuel, ‘You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.’”
Samuel, with his raw emotions, heads off for another adventure in God’s service. Though he knew he sought another king, he could not have known the eternal consequences of this journey to anoint David. Samuel’s remaining years saw Saul’s reign disintegrate. Despite appearances, God continued to work good among his people. David was undergoing baptism by fire in the wilderness, and he would lead Israel to its golden age. God himself knows grief and provided Samuel’s heart time to deal with his emotions before leading him onwards.
Faith processes emotions but is not ruled by them. When grief and fear haunt, the walk of faith remembers God is working good regardless appearances. Emotions enrich our lives beyond measure. But they are different than the hard rock of truth. Enjoy the former but trust the latter.
Lord you know my grief for the life I could have if healthy. Help me trust you are doing something good, though I can’t see it. Forgive me the longings for that healthy life. Instead, may knowing you be my comfort and joy.