Pastor Joel Osteen Daily Devotional November 26, 2023.

SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 16:1, NIV  “The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 

The prophet Samuel was rightfully grieved when God rejected King Saul for his disobedience, but he was turning a season of grief into a lifetime of grief. There are times when God asks us how long we are going to mourn over what we’ve lost, over the relationship that didn’t work out, over the position that we didn’t get. The problem with continuing to mourn is that it will keep you from the new things that God has in store.

God told Samuel to fill his horn with oil, which signifies joy, praise, expectancy. He was telling Samuel to get his praise back, to have a report of victory, and be on his way, because he was going to anoint Jesse’s son David. This was not just going to be an ordinary king, but the greatest king who ever lived. That’s what He will do for you. He’s going to bring great opportunities, new people, and turn your mourning into dancing. Get your praise back, for your destiny is going to far outweigh your history.

“Father, thank You for new seasons, new dreams, new relationships, new beginnings. Thank You that after a season of disappointment over a Saul that You already have a David lined up. I look forward to joy and fulfillment like I’ve never seen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”