Seeking God?

And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.”

But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” (1 Samuel 14:36, ESV)

The soldiers’ words to Saul are very reminiscent to the Israelites’ attitude in Judges. In a time where there was no king, “everyone did whatever seemed right to him.” (Judges 21:25)

Now there was a king who was supposed to be seeking God (Deueteronomy 17:18-20), and the people told him, “Just do whatever seems right to you.”

And that was the problem with Saul throughout his life. He often paid lip service to seeking God, but sometimes he had to reminded to do so. (1 Samuel 14:36)

Other times he would start doing so and then give up on it before getting an answer. (19)

Even worse, like Jephthah (Judges 11:30-31), there were times where instead of seeking God, Saul sought to manipulate God by use of foolish oaths.

All of which makes me think: what is my attitude toward God?

When I’m making decisions, am I seeking him? Or am I simply doing whatever seems good to me?

Do I have a heart that seeks to manipulate him to do my will?

Or do I have a heart that seeks to truly serve him and do his will?

As God would tell another king years later,

For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)