They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead[b] us, such as all the other nations have” 1 Samuel 8:5
The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king. “Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.” 1 Samuel 8:22
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
Introduction
Sometimes in life, we ask for things without even thinking about the consequences. In fact, we think the things we ask for will satisfy our desires and therefore think the consequences are great. However, when we get these things we asked for, soon thereafter, we find ourselves suffering because the things we wanted were not the things we needed.
This article is based on 1 Samuel 8 in which the elders of Israel gather together and ask Samuel to appoint a King to lead them. They believe that the King will lead them in times of battles and will fight on their behalf. They saw other nations with King and so they wanted a King too. This displeased Samuel but the Lord knew in advance they would request a King. Despite the warnings of having a King, the people still wanted a King and so in the end God told Samuel to give them what they want. A King.
Like the Israelites, many of us have rejected the real King of Kings and are pursuing and “sucking” up to politicians to fight on our behalf. After all, some misled us into thinking they have the answers to our problems. However, soon after they are voted in, we become very disappointed because the promises made during the campaign were not kept. As a result we regret voting for some of them.
In relationships, some married people want to become single again while some single people want to get married. When some persons gets married, they regret what they ask for. They either wish they did not get married or they wish they had married someone else.
I know the word said ask and it shall be given unto you. However, let us be careful what we ask for.
Stop asking for what others have.
Many times we want things because we see others have them. The Israelites saw other nations with a King and so they wanted a King. However, there was no need to compare themselves to others as they were a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a peculiar people. If you believe you are a chosen generation, then know that you are special and unique and stop asking for things because others have them. Even though you may get some of the things you want don’t ask because you see others have them, ask with the right motives and base your requests on your passion and your talent.
Listen
Through Samuel God gave the people warnings on asking for a King but they did not listen to his advice they still wanted a King. Sometimes we have warnings prior to making our final decisions but we still continue to proceed with our requests. In fact sometimes we get clear warnings from God but we are so preoccupied with our desires that we reject the Lord. Our parents and other family members and friends may have a lot of experience and have provided you with advice but you think they are preventing your happiness and joy. Listen to persons with experience. Listen to the voice of God.
You will suffer the Consequences
When you do not take heed to solid advice, you will suffer the consequences. In the case of Israelites, they suffered the consequences as the King controlled their lives, enslaved them and took the best of everything. In our country, we have accepted this current political system as a norm and it appears our priority and loyalty are to the political parties rather than God. As a result, we are facing so much division, discrimination and victimization. Almost everything is politicized.
Conclusion
Despite our regrets in life, we cannot go back and change the past. However, going forward you can be better in what you ask for by making God the King of your life.