Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:1 - "The LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.' "

Reflection:
Change is never easy, especially when it involves letting go of something or someone familiar. Samuel had anointed Saul as king, and now he was mourning the loss of a leader who had fallen out of favor with God. Samuel's grief was deep, but God’s words to him were clear: it was time to move forward. God's plan was unfolding, and He had already chosen a new king from the sons of Jesse.

This passage teaches us about the importance of trusting God's timing and His plan, even when it means letting go of the past. Mourning is a natural part of life, especially when we experience loss or disappointment. However, there comes a time when God calls us to rise from our grief and step into the new things He has prepared for us.

God’s rejection of Saul as king did not mean the end of His plans for Israel. In fact, it was the beginning of a new chapter that would lead to the rise of David, a man after God’s own heart. When God closes one door, it is often because He is about to open another, better one. But to see what lies ahead, we must be willing to let go of what is behind.

Today, consider what you may be holding onto that God is asking you to release. Is there something in your life that you need to let go of in order to move forward in God’s plan? Trust that our Father knows best, and He has a purpose and a future that is full of hope for you.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust in Your plan, even when it means letting go of things or people that I hold dear. Give me the courage to move forward when You call me to, and the faith to believe that Your plans are always for my good. Lead me into the new things You have prepared, and help me to follow You with a willing heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Point:
Take a moment to reflect on any areas of your life where you may be holding on to the past. Pray and ask God to help you release those things and to give you the strength to move forward into the new chapter He has for you. Trust that His plans are good and that He will guide you every step of the way.