Read 1 Samuel 12 – Reflection can remind us of what is true, of mistakes we don’t want to repeat, and reflection is a neon sign of God’s hand of protection over us. Samuel is drawing the Israelites into a moment of reflection, with a recount of their history as he steps into retirement. The Israelites realize asking for a king was essentially an abandonment of God and they were scared (12:19). Samuel refocuses them with a piece of wisdom that still stands true: “DON’T BE AFRAID, ” SAMUEL REASSURED THEM, “YOU HAVE CERTAINLY DONE WRONG, BUT MAKE SURE THAT NOW YOU WORSHIP THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON HIM. ” Beloved, whatever mistakes you’ve made, no matter how many times you’ve veered off course, take hold of this wisdom. The Lord’s mercies are new every morning. 😭🙏🏻🥰👑🥰☝️😭