Where Do We Turn?
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
We never really know what each day will bring. Will it be a grand day? Or will it be one of those days where everything seems to go against you? On those days where the troubles seem to be piling up higher and higher there are numerous ways in which we can deal with the added stress and pressure. But what way to we choose? Where do we turn?
When Saul was having a ‘rough time’ where did he turn? Did he look to the Lord and try to correct his ways? No. As is briefly summarized in the above verses, Saul turned trusted his own wisdom and turned further away from God. Saul turned to the dead as he consulted a medium for guidance - which was forbidden by God (Leviticus 19:31) - bringing forth the departed Samuel (1 Samuel 28:8-19).
We see that because Saul chose poorly - because he did not turn to the Lord, Saul was killed. He lost everything. He lost his kingdom, his power, and his life. All because he would not inquire of the Lord.
Let us not make the same foolish mistake. When we are faced with strenuous circumstances, we should not turn to mystical or other worldly/sinful things. Instead let us turn to the Lord. We can inquire of Him by going to Him in prayer and by reading His word.
We turn to the Lord when we turn to good things found in His holy Scriptures. Things like our brethren. Christians are to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11) - we are to be there for each other. So when we encounter difficult troubles we can turn to one another for aid.
Saul behaved foolishly by not turning to the Lord, but continuing to drift further and further away. Saul knew of God’s power and greatness and should have turned to Him for strength and guidance. When faced with trials and seemingly impossible tasks, we must turn to God. God is more than capable of helping us. Through Him all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
-- John Thrower Jr.