1 Samuel 15:24(KJV)
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
From our anchored Scripture, king Saul feared the people and obeyed their voice instead of carrying out the instructions from God through Prophet Samuel. The divine mandate, as articulated by the counsel of the Lord and the prophet, was explicit in its directive to the king to eliminate all living beings in Amalek. However, King Saul succumbed to the pressures exerted by his subjects, forsaking his authority and yielding to their influence. Consumed by a preoccupation with public opinion, he hesitated to act in alignment with the truth and was apprehensive about offending the people. Disregarding the explicit instructions from God regarding the Amalekite conflict, he not only spared the king but also preserved the choice of livestock. By appropriating the spoils of a battle in which he did not participate, Saul flouted the divine command. His disobedience stemmed from a desire to preserve his standing among his subjects.
In this world, we will have pressure. It is an unavoidable part of life. The most common tactic of the devil to bring us down is to orchestrate situations that will put us under pressure. Moreover, while we are vulnerable, he then attacks. He does this because he knows that operating under pressure can result in costly mistakes. In being under pressure, we turn to please man instead of God. Paul said if he is still trying to please man, he will not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). Men-pleasers seek fame at the expense of pleasing God, ultimately leading to destruction. By trying to figure out what people want from us rather than what God created us for, we act contrary to God’s demands, thereby sinning against Him. So, operating under pressure takes us away from obeying the commandments of God. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” The human tendency to fear others can lead to entrapment, causing us to live according to human standards rather than in alignment with the will of God. This fear often places people under intense pressure, leading to complicity in immoral actions and an increased likelihood of making mistakes. Many individuals have made regrettable decisions while under pressure, leaving lasting impacts. Nevertheless, God’s mercy provides a pathway out of the grasp of evil. This pathway is through the Cross, where our sins are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome any pressure exerted by the enemy.
Beloved, learn to please God always. Do not struggle for human approval but for God’s approval, for it is not how you appear before people that matters, but how you appear before God. Never allow anyone to put you under any form of pressure. Be very careful so that you don’t regret your actions later. Don’t let the tension of unemployment drag you into prostitution or drug trafficking. Never let the pressure of getting married push you to marry the wrong person. God will make everything beautiful for you in His own time. At God’s own appointed time, that partner will emerge from the throne of grace, and you will have a home comparable to heaven on earth. Do not please people and displease God. Put Him first always. Fear Him; you need not fear anything else because God is Supreme overall. Let the Bible guide you because obedience to God’s Word and Counsel will save you from heartaches and regrets. Refrain from finding an alternative to Jehovah El-Shaddai. May the Word of God remain a lamp to your feet and a light to your path in Jesus’ Name. Today, rely and depend on the Almighty God, for His choice is always safe. Remember, never destroy anyone who will not please you because they have decided to serve God with all their hearts and do what He says.
O Lord, grant me grace not to buckle under pressure. Help me to be victorious in all areas of my life in Jesus’ Name.