READING:
One-year plan: Judges 16-21
Two-year plan: Psalms 19-21, Romans 3:1-20
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The words are few, but they are heart-stopping: “but he did not know that the Lord had left him” (Judg 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made bad choices — including sleeping with a prostitute and giving up his secret to Delilah — and now God had withdrawn His power from the judge.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 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 nor forsakes us today!), would I recognize that it’s happened?
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you leaning on self or God today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for Your continued presence in my life.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Ruth 1-4
Two-year plan: Psalms 22, Romans 3:21-31
MEMORIZATION VERSE (March 16-31):
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col 3:17)
*first published in 2016
