Seeking the Lord Above All
Devotion: Seeking the Lord Above All
Scripture
“He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.”
— 1 Chronicles 10:14
When Scripture reflects on the downfall of King Saul, it doesn’t highlight his battles, his mistakes, or even his jealousy as the main cause of his ruin. Instead, the Word of God sums it up in one piercing statement: “He did not seek guidance from the LORD.”
Saul had access to God. He had opportunities to turn back. He had moments where he could have humbled himself, listened, and surrendered. But he repeatedly chose his own wisdom, his own impulses, and his own strength. And in the end, the absence of seeking God became the defining tragedy of his life.
How different Saul’s story might have been if he had simply turned his face toward the Lord.
What It Means to Seek the Lord
To seek the Lord is more than a quick prayer or a moment of inspiration. In Scripture, “seeking” is active, intentional, and relational.
Here are a few reminders:
•Seeking is turning — turning from our own wisdom and acknowledging that His ways are higher.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5–6)
•Seeking is listening — coming before God with a heart ready to obey, not simply to be comforted.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps. 119:105)
•Seeking is continual — it’s a daily rhythm, not a crisis-only response.
“Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.” (1 Chr. 16:11)
•Seeking leads to blessing — God promises to be found by those who sincerely seek Him.
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)
A Lesson From David
In contrast to Saul, David—though imperfect—was known as a man who inquired of the Lord repeatedly. Before battles, before decisions, and even after his own sins, David turned back to God. Seeking the Lord was the posture of his life, and it shaped his destiny.
Reflection Questions
•Where am I making decisions without inviting God into them?
•Am I seeking the Lord out of habit… or out of hunger?
•What would it look like today to pause and truly listen for His guidance?
Prayer
Lord, teach me to seek You first and fully. Guard my heart from relying on my own understanding, and help me to hear Your voice above all others. Make me quick to turn to You, quick to listen, and quick to obey. May my life reflect a heart that seeks Your guidance in all things. Amen.
Scripture
“He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.”
— 1 Chronicles 10:14
When Scripture reflects on the downfall of King Saul, it doesn’t highlight his battles, his mistakes, or even his jealousy as the main cause of his ruin. Instead, the Word of God sums it up in one piercing statement: “He did not seek guidance from the LORD.”
Saul had access to God. He had opportunities to turn back. He had moments where he could have humbled himself, listened, and surrendered. But he repeatedly chose his own wisdom, his own impulses, and his own strength. And in the end, the absence of seeking God became the defining tragedy of his life.
How different Saul’s story might have been if he had simply turned his face toward the Lord.
What It Means to Seek the Lord
To seek the Lord is more than a quick prayer or a moment of inspiration. In Scripture, “seeking” is active, intentional, and relational.
Here are a few reminders:
•Seeking is turning — turning from our own wisdom and acknowledging that His ways are higher.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3:5–6)
•Seeking is listening — coming before God with a heart ready to obey, not simply to be comforted.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps. 119:105)
•Seeking is continual — it’s a daily rhythm, not a crisis-only response.
“Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.” (1 Chr. 16:11)
•Seeking leads to blessing — God promises to be found by those who sincerely seek Him.
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13)
A Lesson From David
In contrast to Saul, David—though imperfect—was known as a man who inquired of the Lord repeatedly. Before battles, before decisions, and even after his own sins, David turned back to God. Seeking the Lord was the posture of his life, and it shaped his destiny.
Reflection Questions
•Where am I making decisions without inviting God into them?
•Am I seeking the Lord out of habit… or out of hunger?
•What would it look like today to pause and truly listen for His guidance?
Prayer
Lord, teach me to seek You first and fully. Guard my heart from relying on my own understanding, and help me to hear Your voice above all others. Make me quick to turn to You, quick to listen, and quick to obey. May my life reflect a heart that seeks Your guidance in all things. Amen.