God warned the people through Samuel of the impact of their desire for a king [like other nations]. He will take their children to serve his personal position, ambition and privilege. He will take their wealth to enrich those serving him. “Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.” (18) They were warned of hidden costs in choosing for themselves. Sin entered this world when Adam and Eve chose for themselves. When the sons of God: “…saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.” (Genesis 6:2b). In Genesis Lot chose for himself what appeared to be the best land, but was taken hostage in war and lost all his influence for godliness even to his immediate family. At times God allows us to have our desires, but at the expense of His presence and help. We cannot trust our desires, but if we let God choose for us, we will always make choices that are wise contributing to our eternal well-being.