“11 And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed… Therefore, I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.”” ~ I Samuel 13:11-12
REFERENCE:
The sin of worrying is one that we are most prone to commit. This is more so for leaders or people with a huge responsibility. The burden of leadership, the feelings that so much is expected of you, the fear of failure or being perceived as incompetent, and the unexpected attitude of those you lead can lead you as a leader into sessions of worry and depression.
Do you recognize any of the scenarios I described in your life? Sadly, Saul became a victim of this kind of worry common to leaders. He was facing a better-equipped army with a smaller army. When his soldiers saw the disparity in the war, they were distressed and hid in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and pits. Some deserted Saul and went back home or on A.W.O.L.
I can imagine Saul’s anxiety at that point: you are a failed leader, the people don’t trust you, you don’t have what it takes, you will fail in this venture, even your mentor (Samuel) has abandoned you, etc. With such thoughts beleaguering his mind, Saul felt compelled to overstep his bounds as a king and did what only prophet Samuel should. Worry permitted to dominate your mind can lead you into error and sins of presumption. Worry compelled (pushed) Saul.
To declare war on worry as a leader (in any capacity), you must be convinced about the following:
a. I need God and will lean on Him more than those you lead.
b. God does not measure you by your achievements but by how much you align with His will.
c. Don’t let people pressure you – customers, clients, staff, etc. Work by the divine calendar.
d. Things are never out of God’s control. He will send help, and your Samuel will come soon.
Worry, if left unchecked, can lead to disastrous consequences. It took away everything that Saul had and cherished. This serves as a reminder to us all to take action and not let worry control our lives. May God give you the discipline of faith to trust Him with the things, opportunities, titles, positions, businesses, and people He has committed to your hands. Rest in God.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
I Kings 12:25-31 and Proverbs 3:4-8
PRAYER:
+ Lord, deliver my heart from the foolishness that thinks I need to help God and the fear that makes me think that people will leave me.
+ Teach me to trust You, Lord, with everything You have committed into my hands.
+ I refuse to let worry paint the worst scenarios in my mind until I am ‘compelled’ to displease God or step into the unpermitted.
