How do you react when you mess up? Do you feel fed up? Frustrated with yourself? Angry at God? Do you just want to give up? There is another option.

The Israelites, God’s people, wanted a king. They were warned by Samuel that they would be rejecting God as their true King if they chose a human to rule them instead (1 SAM. 8:4-9). Knowing it was wrong, they still wanted a king. God allowed them to have their way.

But when they realised how bad their decision was, they asked for Samuel’s help and prayers (12:19). Samuel told the people, “Do not be afraid . . . You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart” (12:20). Samuel promised to pray for them and teach them the right way. He told them to “fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart” (V.24).

We can’t change what we did yesterday. But we can decide how we’re going to live today. Are we going to stay angry at our mistakes? Or are we going to focus on God again, looking at His love, forgiveness and faithfulness?

By: David McCasland

To Pray About . . .

Lord, help me not to ignore You and do my own thing. Please teach me to live like Paul who always “press[ed] on towards the goal” (PHIL. 3:14).