Finding Security in Insecurity | 1 Samuel 8:4-6

Are insecurities driving you to your own solutions?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us."

Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:4-6, which reads:

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. — 1 Samuel 8:4-6

Here are a few details worth noting. First, it's the elders who initiate the move to a monarchy. If we look back a few chapters, we'll recall that it was also the elders who devised a plan to solve a previous crisis, resulting in the loss of the Ark of God in a war against the Philistines. Their reasoning here is no better. Previously, they wanted to use God, but now they want to reject Him.

But let's look closer at their reasoning because it's a little twisted.

The issue at hand is the succession within the judiciary. They are worried about Samuel's old age and his sons' misconduct, which raises concerns about who will lead after him. Essentially, they are in need of another judge. In the past, they encountered problems with Eli and his sons. However, their current proposal is baffling because it fails to address the problem and actually contradicts their own analysis. Despite this, they do not seem to realize the flaw in their plan. If their genuine concern is about the nation turning away from the Lord, then the solution is not to replace the Lord with a man who with lord over them. What they actually need is another judge who will keep the people loyal to the Lord. And this is what irritates Samuel; he, as you will see, understands the twist in their request as the rejection of the Lord.

The elders' reasoning and decision stems from a common human tendency—to rely on tangible solutions in moments of insecurity rather than on the Lord. They overlook the fact that their real need isn't just a king but a judge who will lead them toward obedience to God. This reveals a profound truth: When our insecurities define us, we often seek superficial solutions that fail to address the root issues.

How often do we, like the elders of Israel, look for quick fixes to our problems—placing our trust in human institutions, achievements, or relationships rather than in God? When we feel insecure about the future, our jobs, or our families, we may rush to take matters into our own hands, seeking control where only God's guidance can provide true direction.

Take time today to identify an area of insecurity in your life that you have been trying to address with world effort and natural solutions. Pause and pray, asking God for wisdom and trusting Him to lead you. Surrender your fears and uncertainties to Him, and commit to following His guidance, even if it means stepping into the unknown.

#TrustingGodOverMan
#InsecureSolutions
#SeekingDivineGuidance

Ask This:

How often do you find yourself seeking human solutions to your insecurities instead of relying on God's guidance? What steps can you take to shift your trust more fully to Him?

Reflect on a time when you rushed to find a quick fix for a problem that ultimately didn't address the deeper issue. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply that lesson to your current challenges?

Do This:

Trust God in the insecurity.

Pray This:

Father, forgive me for the times I've sought worldly solutions out of fear and insecurity. Help me trust in Your wisdom and guidance, surrendering my anxieties to Your loving care. Amen.

Play This:

A Mighty Fortress.