Closer Look: Hold Your Peace
- Olivia T
- Nov 18
- 3 min read
In 1 Samuel 10, we find the story of the prophet Samuel anointing Saul as the first kind of Israel. As I read this story the other day, something at the end of the chapter jumped out at me.
Once Saul was anointed king, most of the Israelites accepted him as such, except for a few "rebels." Verse 27 says, "But some of the rebels said, 'How can this man save us?' So they despised him and brought him no presents..."
What caught my attention was Saul's response to these rebels who wouldn't accept him as their kind. Did he lecture them about respect and honour for their new monarch? Order their execution? Demand presents from them? No. (The last one is probably something I would've done if I were Saul XD)
"...But he held his peace."
Wow. Saul didn't need their approval. Why? He already had God's anointing. The only thing that mattered was what God said, not those who didn't understand His will. That's why Saul could "hold his peace" when faced with opposition.
Even when we're following God's call on our lives, we sometimes care too much about others' approval. Though we're called by God to spread the Gospel (Mark 16:15), be separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17), and not imitate what is evil (3 John 11), we tend to worry about what others will say think of us if we do.
Speaking as someone who has a massive dream God has laid on her heart, it's been difficult to not let doubts, fears, and opposition talk me out of going where God leads. What I must remind myself of constantly is that I do not require the approval of other people, especially when I have God's purpose and calling. He is all I need.
Because of this, I can "hold my peace" when I face opposition to the plans God has ordained for me to walk in. I don't have to spiral into doubt when someone, something, or even I myself point out the challenges I'll encounter. God's plans are always greater than what we could possibly imagine, and He's capable of and faithful to accomplish them. Therefore, it's entirely unnecessary to worry!
Friends, not everyone will understand God's calling for your life. Often, we ourselves won't even fully understand it. But all we are supposed to do is trust and obey the Lord. He will never let us down.
Are you facing opposition against what God's called you to today? Perhaps He's leading you one way after high school or in a certain direction, and those around you say it's crazy or that you won't succeed. Maybe you aren't receiving the support you hoped you'd get as God leads you into what is scary and unknown to you.
Hold your peace, dear friends. Relax. Don't stress about it. Stay calm. God's calling is far more important and valuable than the mere approval of men. At the end of our lives, the praise and accolades of people will mean nothing compared to the words of God: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." His approval and reward is what we must seek above that of shallow, indecisive people.
So, Remnant, when you face opposition as you walk according to God's will and calling for you, hold your peace as Saul did because the only approval you require is God's.
Let's do it together.
-Olivia
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