QT 3 Oct 13, Go to God in the good times, just as much as in the bad times

1 Sam 14:14-19 (ESV) And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. 15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.

16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there.  17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, "Count and see who has gone from us." And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring the ark of God here." For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel.  19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand."

NOTE: This passage gives us an interesting insight into Saul. Unbeknown to him, his son and armor bearer start a rout in the camp of the Philistines. Saul, who is carrying the ark around with them (you would have thought they would have learned that was wrong), asks the priest for divine guidance. He is either hesitant, scared, or genuinely wants to know God's will. But as it is obvious that a rout is occurring, he backs off on his need for divine guidance. Now one could say, God has given him his answer, and so his reaction is appropriate. And seeking God is never to be faulted. But Saul's actions could also be viewed as very worldly. As long as things look bad, he turns to God, but when things look good, he doesn't need God any more.

We always need God. We should never make choices without his involvement. Prayer should be part of the natural fiber in our life. Even a simple prayer said right in the moment is worth it, because it acknowledges the Lord in all things. Saul only looks to God to fix things which are out of his control, like the people leaving because Samuel doesn't show. Saul needs to place his trust in God in the good times as well as the tough times.