When Desperation Leads Us Away from God

1 Samuel 28–29 | Deuteronomy 18:10–12 | Proverbs 1:28

Desperation makes us do things we never thought we would. It doesn’t always look reckless; sometimes it can look practical, even “necessary” in the moment. But if I’m honest, some of my worst decisions have come when I let fear and urgency drown out my faith.

I’ve prayed prayers that were more like panic buttons.
I’ve looked for answers in all the wrong places, places I never would have gone if I’d slowed down long enough to trust God’s timing.

In 1 Samuel 28, Saul finds himself facing the Philistines without God’s guidance. When the Lord doesn’t answer him through dreams, prophets, or the Urim, Saul turns to a different source to get the answers he craves.

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 makes it clear:

“Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

Saul’s choice wasn’t just desperation; it was disobedience.
By 1 Samuel 29, we see how far this desperation has taken him: into the enemy’s camp, trusting people he once fought against.

And Proverbs 1:28 warns us about this drift:

“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.”

It’s a reminder that the longer we look for answers outside of God, the more distant His voice can feel. Not because He’s abandoned us, but because we’ve walked ourselves into the noise.

When God feels silent, it’s tempting to find another way forward. But shortcuts around His will always lead us further from His presence, not closer.

Where am I seeking answers apart from God because I don’t like His timing or silence?
Pause before acting on fear. Open His Word even when you feel like it’s not “working.” Ask Him to quiet your spirit long enough to hear His voice, and trust that His silence does not mean His absence.

Lord,
You know how easily my heart grows restless when I can’t see the next step.
Forgive me for the times I’ve sought answers outside of You.
Teach me to wait, not just for the answer, but with You in the waiting.
Amen.