Symptoms that seem like a problem usually point us to the real problem. It seems like we’d want to deal with the problem but quite often we’ll choose relief from the symptoms rather than deal with the problem. For example, if we’re tired all the time, it probably means we need more sleep. But, if getting more sleep means we’ll have to stop playing video games, we’ll probably just drink some energy drinks. We’ll deal with the symptoms of fatigue, but we’ll ignore the problem, the need for an adjustment to life. This is often true with our inner life. Perhaps we have some anger issues or we’re living perpetually annoyed. Those are symptoms. The problem could be resentment, contempt or unforgiveness. Dealing with the problem would require humility, repentance, confession and forgiveness. That might seem too hard so we’ll look for a way to deal with the symptoms that could include some very unhealthy practices. We’ll see an example of this in the life of Saul. He chose to deal with symptoms rather than the root cause of his distress. Let’s keep our hearts open to the promptings of the Spirit on these matters and let Him help us get to the source of our distress.