Grab Hold | 1 Samuel 28:3-5

Are you in a mess? Maybe it is time to reach out for help.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

At the beginning of Chapter 28, we got a snapshot of what was going on with Achish (the Philistine King) and David, who were planning to go to war with Israel. But for much of the rest of the chapter, we are going to jump to King Saul, and we are going to see a spiritual downward spiral that is demonic. This has been the trajectory of his life and legacy, so let's see what happens first in verses 3-5:

Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the necromancers out of the land. The Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. — 1 Samuel 28:3-5

The Weight of Opposition

Saul realizes that powerful and longstanding opposition is coming after him—the Philistines and David. David had been merciful many times, but Achish would not be. Considering both were acting in tandem, it was emotionally overwhelming for Saul. In addition, the Judge and Prophet who once provided Saul direction in these moments, Samuel, is gone, and he had ordered the slaughter of all the other priests. Therefore, Saul is about to be attacked, emotionally distraught, and lacking a voice of wisdom, and now he is looking for something, anything, to grab hold of in the mess he has made.

If you have been in this situation, you know nothing is more lonely. Like Saul, we all face challenges that seem insurmountable, whether they're personal struggles, leadership crises, or spiritual battles.

The Missing Components

But those of you who have been reading Saul's story with me know that Saul made this mess. His spiritual rejection, disobedience, resistance, and denial of community support led him to this outcome.

My advice is not to do what Saul did. Instead, GRAB onto these principles and avoid the mess altogether:

1. Guidance: Keep your connection with God strong.
2. Repent: Acknowledge and correct your mistakes.
3. Adhere: Follow God's guidance faithfully.
4. Brotherhood: Foster a supportive faith community.

Time To Grab Hold?

Maybe today, as you hear this, you feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. You’ve been trying to face the battles of life alone, and it’s left you anxious, uncertain, and maybe even hopeless. Or perhaps you’ve drifted from God as Saul did, and you sense it’s time to return to Him.

Jesus came to meet you in the middle of your mess. He offers guidance when you are lost, grace when you’ve failed, and peace when you’re afraid. If you’ve never given your life to Him, today is the day to grab hold of His truth and surrender to His leadership. Or, if you’ve been distant, this is your moment to return to the One who never left you.

Here’s How: Confess your mess, stop trying to be your own king and lord, and surrender to following the Only King and Lord, Jesus, from this day forward.

If you’re ready to make that decision—whether for the first time or to come back to Him—let me know by writing “Jesus Is My Lord” in the comments below. I want to celebrate and pray for you as you take this life-changing step.

When you reach out for the Lord, He grabs hold of you—and He never lets go. Don't wait; reach out to him today.

#ReachOutForHelp, #TrustInGod, #FaithOverFear

Ask This:

1. What challenges in your life feel overwhelming, and how can you invite God into those moments for guidance and peace?
2. Have you been trying to face life’s battles alone, and what step can you take today to reconnect with God?

Do This:

Grab a hold of Jesus.

Pray This:

Lord, I confess the mess I’ve made trying to do life on my own. Help me surrender to Your guidance and trust in Your unfailing love. Amen.

Play This:

Never Let Go.