Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“The word of the Lord came to Samuel: ‘I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me, and has not carried out my commands.’ Samuel was angry; and he cried out to the Lord all night.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, October 23, 2021
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I can imagine what Samuel was crying about. “Why did you let me anoint that guy in the first place? You knew he was going to be a disaster. I warned the people about this! No one listens to me—to you. Why couldn’t he just do what he was told? Now I have to go clean up this whole stupid mess!!!” Or something like that.
I can also imagine God’s response. “Get over yourself, Samuel. Sometimes stuff just doesn’t work out and you have to try something different. And it’s not like you’re alone in this. I got your back.”
I’ve found myself crying out to God about things that don’t go my way. Complaining that I’m doing everything “right”, everything I’m “supposed to do”, but it’s not going my way. God listens patiently to my ranting, then gently, lovingly redirects me to the next right action, reminding me that I’m not alone. Eventually I get over myself, as Samuel did, and look at what’s next. But it’s okay in the moment to be angry. God can take it.
When was I disappointed that something didn’t work out the way I wanted? Where was God?