Some notes on today's Bible reading

I've been using one of Discipleship Journal's "Read the Bible in a year" schedules. Today's reading was 1 Samuel 4-6. This covers the Philistines capturing the Ark of The Covenant and its return.

I've been trying to decide which part most closely identifies who I am. The good news is that I think I'm moving beyond the Israelites shown in chapter 4.

First they go to war with the Philistines after drifting away from the LORD. Then, when they lose their first battle they ask "Why has God done this to us?" This sounds like a godly question, except they don't wait for an answer. They immediately attempt to manipulate God via the Ark.

I don't think I'm as bad as that anymore. I have pretty much given up trying to find the prayer technique/formula that will let me manipulate God.

If anything, I think I'm the cattle used to pull the cart when the Ark is returned to Israel. I accept God's will but I do a lot of lowing in the process.

Actually, now that I think of it, the cattle are one up on me. They do God's will without turning to the left or the right. I take a lot of detours.