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So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
1 Samuel 7:3
For 20 long years the people of Israel had grieved, feeling as though God had abandoned them. But Samuel recognized that it was the other way around — the people had abandoned God. Samuel gave them the solution to their misery, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and mercy. He got right to the point, telling the people what they had to do. If they would get rid of their idols and return to God and obey him, he would rescue them.
Samuel didn’t waste words. It was time for the people to stop feeling sorry for themselves and take some action. If you’re really sorry, he told them, if you really mean it, then show how serious you are. Do something about it. Get rid of whatever it is that is keeping you from worshiping God, and he will be there again for you.
In response to Samuel’s message, the people of Israel destroyed their idols and worshiped God. And God rescued them.
Samuel very well could have been speaking to you. Imagine he is standing in front of you. He begins by saying, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart …” How would you finish that sentence? What would it mean for you to get serious about your relationship with God? It might mean removing an “idol” or doing what you know God wants you to do. It might mean changing an attitude.
Today, think about what it might mean for you to get serious about a relationship with God. Then worship him with a clear conscience and with your whole heart.
PRAYER
Lord, show me what I need to do to get serious about my relationship with you …
1 Samuel 7:3
For 20 long years the people of Israel had grieved, feeling as though God had abandoned them. But Samuel recognized that it was the other way around — the people had abandoned God. Samuel gave them the solution to their misery, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and mercy. He got right to the point, telling the people what they had to do. If they would get rid of their idols and return to God and obey him, he would rescue them.
Samuel didn’t waste words. It was time for the people to stop feeling sorry for themselves and take some action. If you’re really sorry, he told them, if you really mean it, then show how serious you are. Do something about it. Get rid of whatever it is that is keeping you from worshiping God, and he will be there again for you.
In response to Samuel’s message, the people of Israel destroyed their idols and worshiped God. And God rescued them.
Samuel very well could have been speaking to you. Imagine he is standing in front of you. He begins by saying, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart …” How would you finish that sentence? What would it mean for you to get serious about your relationship with God? It might mean removing an “idol” or doing what you know God wants you to do. It might mean changing an attitude.
Today, think about what it might mean for you to get serious about a relationship with God. Then worship him with a clear conscience and with your whole heart.
PRAYER
Lord, show me what I need to do to get serious about my relationship with you …
