Saul was the first king of the Israelites following the period of the judges. He had such humble beginnings.

In fact, he was so humble, that when he was being introduced to the tribes of Israel, he was found hiding behind the baggage. (1 Samuel 10:22)

He was so humble, that he kept silent when a group of “worthless men” spoke out against him. (1 Samuel 10:27)

But later, Saul made a poor choice, that was contrary to his humble beginnings. Samuel, the man of God, the seer, delivered a message from God to Saul:

“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:13-14

After this message was delivered:
-Samuel arose to depart, knowing Saul’s reign as king was doomed
-Saul numbered the soldiers who were left with him

Army menWhy did Saul react this way?
Why was his immediate reaction to count his soldiers?

Do I count soldiers?
Do I depend on my own resources, when I should be depending on God?

Lord, help me not to “count soldiers”. Help me to look to you in ALL things. It is sometimes so tempting to look to myself–my resources, my thoughts, my ideas before I seek You–Your will, Your resources, but this is not your desire. Forgive me for the times I have done this. Help me to look to You only. Amen.