A golden sunset that pierces through and colors the clouds may give an inspiring lift after a difficult day. The picture of a sunset was taken only about three miles from my house at Woodway Park in Waco Texas. There may be hidden treasures near you today that you can seek and get excited about. Just as there may be hidden treasures in God’s word as we read today in 1 Samuel 28.

Remember from our reading so far that David had been fleeing Saul who was out to kill him. David has had several opportunities to kill Saul but didn’t because he said that the matter should be in God’s hands. Today’s passage says that God was no longer with Saul.

David sought refuge from Saul by joining with the Philistines. When the Philistines set up camp near Saul’s army, Saul became fearful. He inquired of the Lord but got no answer so he decided to turn to a medium even though he had expelled from the land all mediums or those who could consult a sprit.

He didn’t want anyone to know that he was consulting with a medium so Saul disguised himself. Then found someone who could consult with the spirit of Samuel who had recently died. The medium was able to get in touch with the spirit of Samuel who told Saul that the Lord would deliver both Israel and Saul into the hands of the Philistines (v. 19). Immediately Saul was filled with fear, completely shaken, and very weak.

Instead of letting go of the past, Saul never could. He was always jealous of David. David on the other hand was someone who could rise above situations when things happened that he had no control over or when those he thought he could trust did things that made him not trust them anymore.

This day with God, let us be able to forgive, step ahead, and be grateful for what we do have. Dark times challenge us to change our thinking and find solutions. Before the darkness gets darker and then goes pitch black, let us step ahead. Let us receive God’s true light that brightens the path and gives us access to more power than we could ever imagine.

Lord help us to take on the challenges we face so that we can get through the darkness into a new day. We have confidence that we can step ahead of our challenges. We may face financial issues, health matters, or other challenges beyond our ability to solve but You have a plan for us. Christ has entered in with grace so we know all we need is patience because You have provided the way to overcome. Amen.