Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 16. (Day one)
“How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him?”–v 1.
Samuel was heartbroken by Saul’s failure. The old prophet genuinely loved the young king. Had been a passionate and prayerful supporter. Those days were now over.
With great patience, the Lord allowed Samuel the time necessary for mourning. Time to grieve. Time to recover. (Compare the Lord’s kindness to Elijah in 1 Kings 19)
Eventually, however, it is the purpose of God for Samuel (us) to accept/release what is lost and move forward with faith. “Weeping may come in the night, but joy comes in the morning”–Psalm 30:5.
A new and hopeful sunrise is coming for Israel. A new king will soon be anointed and God wants Samuel (us) to be a part of it.
Lord, give courage when this call comes to me to count as loss things that were gain, and to do so for the sake of Christ! (Philippians 3:7)