‘When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him’ (Judges 16:20 NLT).
Samson took God’s presence and power for granted, but when Delilah shaved off his seven locks, the power of the LORD left him. Samson didn’t even notice, until it was too late.
We shouldn’t wonder at Samson’s shortcomings. We can be just like him. When we step on the slippery slope of sin, we slowly slide away from God so gradually that we barely notice. We become so accustomed to God’s blessings that we forget their source. We get so busy with doing that we stop praying and asking God for power and direction. Then one day, we wake up and find ourselves in trouble, asking God where He’s gone!
He hasn’t really left us. We’ve left Him. We’ve forgotten Him. Yet, God is only a prayer away. As the apostle Paul wrote, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13).
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we attempt to move without You. We want to learn to wait on You and depend on You for all things. We know that You will never leave nor forsake us, but You will let us experience the pain of trying to live on our own. When we do, we realize our deep need for Your presence. Lead us this day and strengthen us by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.