Read

1 Kings 20:23-22:9

1 Kings 21:3-4, "But Naboth replied, ‘The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.' So, Ahab went home, sullen and angry...He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat."

Think

There's a Rolling Stones song titled, "You Can't Always Get What You Want." How true is that! We definitely don't always get our way. So, how do you react in such situations? Most of us would like to say we handle frustration with poise and forbearance. However, more often than not, we go a little "Ahab," acting sullen and spewing complaints. But harboring anger in our hearts is a dangerous place to stew in, for it can snowball and lead us down a treacherous and unrighteous path.

Ahab threw a temper tantrum, took to bed, and complained so much that his wife, Jezebel, arranged to kill the vineyard's owner, Naboth - an extreme solution to a petty problem. Unfortunately, they were both so convinced of the importance of their own wants that they were willing to commit murder in an attempt to soothe a bruised ego and ensure they got their way. But they'd soon discover, through the prophet Elijah, that disaster awaited them due to their flagrant disregard for God's ordainment.

We may not go to such extremes when denied a want, but as sinners, we have all pushed aside God's will and plan for us to pursue our own misguided desires. However, God can be our strength and patience in frustrating times. We must rely on His will and desire above our own. His way is best and guaranteed to be more fulfilling than getting everything we think we want.

So, the next time your plans or desires are stymied, don't go "Ahab." Instead, lean into God and allow Him, alone, to be the Source that directs your course. Because as the Rolling Stones song continues, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need." And God is always faithful to provide - not always what we want - but what we need right when we need it!

Pray

Lord Jesus, Help me trust in You when things don't go my way. I submit my will to Yours, and even if I don't know why You arrange things the way You do, I trust Your plans are always best. Amen.