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“Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.”  1 Samuel 15:10-11a

I’d always scratched my head at the verses in 1 Samuel where the Lord said that He “regretted” His action to make Saul king over Israel (1 Samel 15: 10-11; 35). Did God make a mistake in judgment?! Did He not know that Saul would turn out to disobey Him and grow prideful? No! God is Sovereign. And He never changes His mind—He always does what He says (Numbers 23:19). Moreover, God doesn’t “try” (whether said trying leads to success or failure) because His will always comes to pass. So, why does Scripture clearly say, “the Lord regretted?”

Then I got to thinking…sometimes you and I have to make a hard decision. We know it’s the best thing to do—but we also know it will be hurtful, either to ourselves or another. And even though it’s the right course of action, given the definitive or potential negative outcome, we are sad about it. For example, when our child is sick or injured, we know full well that the medical treatment may be incredibly painful for him or her…and, in some sense, we regret that the child has to endure it. But the necessary action is taken. It must be, because it will ultimately lead to the best result: healing. Yet we lament. Or maybe it’s a drug-addicted loved one. Although they beg for money to feed their demon, we refuse to enable them. Best choice? Absolutely! Regretful? Yup. After all, because of our “no,” they may go down a dangerous, even deadly, path to get their fix. And we lament. We also pray for rock bottom, so they will—ultimately—look up for rescue.

So, even we, mere mortals, can see situations where “good” decisions are still regrettable and lamentable. Even when we clearly know the ultimate purpose. Now let’s extrapolate this limited reality to our limitless King…which we can’t actually do. See, we are not God. God’s thoughts and ways are much, much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). And His emotions are immensely more complex than we can possibly wrap our little brains around. In His Sovereignty, God always acts according to His glory and good pleasure (Isaiah 46:9-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 13:21)—and for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28-29).

What a precious realization from this Scripture! God knew exactly who Saul was and what he’d do (and not do). The course of history, though, was perfectly planned and executed by our Lord. Yet in His kindness and love for His people, He lamented (regretted). Friend, when our circumstances seem out of control, and we question the “why” in it all, let’s remember there is a good purpose for us, although it doesn’t make sense at the moment. Our situation may currently be lamentable, but we serve a Good God who made us and loves us…and whose perfect will always glorifies Him.

“Lord, thank You for being my Good, Good Father, loving me relentlessly and purposing my life for Your glory. Even when my limited perspective cannot see beyond the current pain, may I trust Your plan.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life