All Night

"And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the Lord all night." -1 Samuel 15.11b

God has informed Samuel of Saul's disobedience, and the regret He has over making him king. The news is distressing to Samuel, the Hebrew word is charah which means a burning anger. Samuel is furious about Saul's disobedience and it prompts him to a night of unending prayer. I imagine he spent the night seeking God's guidance as to what to do next. He turned to God, giving up sleep, seeking guidance.

Men, have you ever spent the entire night in prayer? When you're angry what is your first response? Do you fire off a text, or turn to God? Do you head down to the bar, or get down on your knees? When something infuriates you do you charge ahead without thinking, spouting off irrational statements, intended to do as much damage as possible, or do you seek God's guidance and the peace that He offers.

Samuel was angry, and yet his first response is to pray. He knows that something must be done, and so he pours himself into a night of seeking God about the proper course of action that must be taken. He will not fall into the same sin as Saul. Instead he will see God, and then diligently obey.

Let us be men who turn to God before we act. Let us be men who refuse to let anger guide our words and actions. Let us be men who are willing to pray all night.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor