READING: Judges 16-18
The words are few, but they are heart-stopping: “but he did not know that the Lord had left him” (Judges 16:20). “He” in this story is Samson, whose strength in God was symbolized by his hair. Samson was a Nazirite whose vows included not cutting his hair — but now Delilah had betrayed his secret, and the Philistines had cut his hair. At least temporarily, they would defeat Samson and even praise their false god, Dagon, for the victory.
And still, the text says that Samson did not know that the Lord had left him. Samson had persistently made bad choices — including sleeping with a prostitute and giving up his secret to Delilah — and now God had withdrawn His power from the judge. He on whom the Spirit of God had fallen previously (see yesterday’s devotion) now lacked God’s presence. The result would be Samson’s capture and his eventual death, despite that fact that new growth of Samson’s hair would symbolize his repentance and a time of renewed power.
Here’s what I’m thinking about today: if the Lord were to remove His presence and power from me (and thank God that He never leaves us or forsakes us today!), would I recognize that it’s happened? Is God so central a part of my life that the lack of His presence would halt my steps? Or, might I operate so much in my own power that it would take me some time — and defeats — before I realize what’s happened? My prayer today is that I would not be able to take a single step without the power of God in my life, and that I would quickly recognize it if I begin to lean on myself rather than God.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps:
- Evaluate your own response to this question: if the Lord were to remove His presence and power from me, would I recognize it’s happened?
- Pray the prayer listed above and below.
PRAYER: “Father, make me unable to take a single step without Your power in my life, and make me quickly recognize it if I begin to lean on myself rather than You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Judges 19-21