Delilah said to Samson, “Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Judges 16:13
Observation
The story of Samson is a much sadder story than I imagined from childhood. This story has so much to it but I will settle here for the sake of one point. Samson was dedicated to the Lord from birth and took the Nazarite vow in order to fulfill God’s purpose, but time and again he betrayed his vow. Now he is enamored with Delilah. He is full of lust and desire and once again seems to excuse his sinful behavior. He knows instinctively that Delilah is out to get him, so he lies to her three times. Then finally her mocking and harassment is more than he can handle, and he tells her the truth. Samson knew what was happening, knew he should dump Delilah, but refused to act on the truth and chose to trust in himself rather than his God. Little did he realize without his God, he had no strength.
How often do we choose to ignore sin or choose to convince ourselves that God surely understands our sins. I remember a few relationships when I was younger that I knew instinctively (spiritually) were not the best, but chose to think that I had good intentions and God surely understood. I was sure I could change that boyfriend or make that friend see truth. Like Samson, I refused to see or listen to God’s voice in my heart and only made things worse. Thankfully, I did not stray long or far, but who knows how my life would have changed if I had not stopped and listened to that still small voice and obeyed . I repented and God has been faithful to me over the years, but I could have saved myself many tears and some regret had I been obedient the first time. Our strength is never in ourselves, and it never will be. Our strength is in the One who died that we could live in victory over sin, Jesus!
Lord Jesus, thank you for this reminder of how important it is to keep our eyes and minds focused on You and Your strength for daily obedience. Help us not to excuse our sins and think we will still have Your favor. When we repent , You forgive, You can use our failures for Your glory to teach others the truth of your love and the destruction of sin. May our obedience bring You glory and our lives be enriched by Your continual presence.
Journey with Joyce 