The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way.” I Samuel 16:1 NIV 

Saul had reigned for forty-two years over Israel, and the time had come that the Lord would have permanently established him as king. But Saul disobeyed, so the Lord would not appoint him. Samuel was then given the unpleasant task of telling Saul that the Lord had rejected him, which was very difficult for Samuel to do. He had been with Saul from the beginning of his reign, so learning such bad news and being given the commission to deliver it broke Samuel’s heart. 

After the mission was accomplished, Samuel was so downcast that he mourned. God’s Word doesn’t say how long he mourned, just that God knew why he mourned, and that He gave Samuel the time and space to do so. This is very telling of the importance of grieving. Even though we don’t always understand the road or the process grief takes us on, it’s vital that we submit to it for a time and let God do His work in us until He says otherwise. 

Father, I’m so grateful for Your grace and mercy as I simply grieve. I know You understand the depth of what I’m going through even more than I do. Thank You for letting me be still in my pain and for comforting me in the process. I trust You and love You for the tender care You show to me each day.  

IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN. 

This is an excerpt from Daily Prayers of Grieving Hearts – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.