The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the field of battle. And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.”
1 Samuel 4:2-3
LORD, I acknowledge today that You are in control of my success and my failures. Though I own the effort, You own the results. Far too often I believe that if I approach how I go about a task differently that I will get a better result. Yet, how many times has this not been the case in my life? How many times have I gotten the same result regardless of how I have approached the work at hand? Indeed, I have found that my approach does not necessarily result in a better outcome. It has always been and always will be Your working in my situation. This day I recognize that it is only as I yield to You that I find contentment with where I land. LORD, I want that peace today. Grant me the humility to put You first before I engage in anything, helping me to understand Your will regarding the decisions I must make. Grant me discernment that I might comprehend why things are happening the way they are, the true meaning and message You are sending me regarding my outcomes, that I might course correct as You see fit. Make clear to me the message You are conveying in times of success as well as failure. Give me a heart to receive it and accept it. Finally, give me a heart that is fixed on not only pleasing You, but also learning from the process how to yield to the leanings of the Holy Spirit in all things. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.