Feeling Discouraged?

Read

1 Samuel 16:4a “Samuel did what the Lord said.”

1 Samuel 16:1-2a “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 am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.’ But Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.’”

Think

There’s something about January that can feel heavy. While others are setting goals and dreaming big for the year ahead, it’s easy to focus on the things that didn’t happen—the milestones missed, the plans that fell apart, the progress that feels too small. Maybe you’ve felt it, too—that quiet ache of disappointment when life doesn’t look the way you thought it would by now.

The story of Samuel offers hope when we’re tempted to stay stuck in discouragement. Samuel had dedicated his life to following God and guiding Israel, but things hadn’t gone as planned. The people rejected God’s leadership and demanded a king, choosing Saul—a man who seemed perfect on the outside but failed to obey God’s commands. Samuel poured himself into leading Saul, but when Saul turned away from God, Samuel’s heart broke. He cried out to the Lord, mourning what could have been.

And then came God’s words: “How long will you mourn? Fill your horn with oil and go.” God wasn’t dismissing Samuel’s pain—he was directing him. Samuel’s story wasn’t over, and neither was God’s work in Israel. God had a new plan, one Samuel couldn’t see yet, and it began with a single step of obedience.

Like Samuel, we can get stuck mourning what hasn’t worked out—whether it’s broken dreams, missed opportunities, or seasons that didn’t go as planned. But God invites us to step into what he’s doing next. He knows the pain we carry, but he also knows the future he’s preparing.

If you’re feeling stuck today, start with one step. Ask God to show you the next move. It might not feel grand or clear, but obedience always opens the door to what’s ahead. God’s story for your life is still unfolding—he’s not finished writing, and he’s calling you to trust him with what’s next. Take the step and let him take care of the rest.

Apply

Act on what you’ve heard. If God has been nudging you to take a specific step, like joining a Bible study or volunteering in a ministry, say “yes” this week and take the first action toward it.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I bring my disappointments and unmet expectations to you. Help me to see the new opportunities you’re placing before me and give me the courage to take the next step in obedience. Show me how I can serve you and others, and remind me that your plans for my life are still unfolding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.