Discussing (Read: Arguing) with God

Have you ever been in one of those 'discussions' (read: arguments) with God where you are explaining to him why it is you MUST have things a certain way, or absolutely 'need' something so badly? I have 'argued' with God on many an occasion - 'discussing' all the ins and outs of why it is I feel the course I am about to take is the 'best' one for me. I forget who is in control of the bigger picture on occasion. How about you?

Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” (I Samuel 8:6-9)

This was the case with the Nation of Israel as Samuel was nearing the end of his life. He had functioned as a loyal and gracious prophet to the people, but when his sons were appointed as part of the succession plan, the people were none too happy. Why? The sons didn't follow in their father's footsteps - they were greedy, and they 'perverted justice'. In other words, they were lousy leaders! So, what do you think the Israelites asked for? A 'king' just like all the other nations around them had. They wanted a guy on the throne to rule over them.

It amazes me how we can see things as 'so perfect' but be totally oblivious to what the thing we are seeking with such great effort will actually produce in our lives. The nations who had a 'physical king' upon the throne were not as well cared for as Israel was when serving the one who was supposed to be the one on 'the throne' of their lives - Jehovah God. They actually go so far as to 'demand' a king to 'judge' them. Aye! When we see things through rose-colored glasses, we rarely see things clearly!

You might know the rest of the story, but just in case you don't, it goes something like this... When there was an 'agreeable' and 'just' king upon the throne, they were happy. When the king was a little less agreeable and perhaps a little unjust in his dealings, they were grieved by his rulings. When there was peace, the land was prosperous, and all was well. When there was hardship and calamity all around, everyone bemoaned the one who ruled them.

God has to deal with a whole lot of 'fickle' choices on our behalf. It would be wonderful if we'd just let him sit on the throne of our lives, but we have this 'free-will' thing that gets in the way. We 'argue' why our choices will 'work best' but forget about what happened the last time we demanded our own way. I imagine God must just shake his head on occasion as he hears us making all these 'lame arguments' for why we need something he knows we will regret in the end. It would be far wiser to just stop 'arguing' (read: discussing) and let him be on the throne! Just sayin!