1 Samuel 7:2b …Than all the people of Israel turned back to the LORD.
It must have been difficult for the Israelites to humble themselves before the Lord. To say, especially to the Creator of the Universe, “I got too big for my britches and I’m so sorry” isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. The Israelites had tried just going through the motions by taking the ark of the covenant into battle. It failed miserably. They were beginning to understand they need God Himself, not just His trappings.
1 Samuel 7:6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD….
So they humbled themselves before the Lord. They poured out water before Him to show the depth of their sorrow. But they still needed to get back into their rhythm with God, seeking Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, believing Him. It’s so much easier to stay in relationship than to reestablish the rhythm.
1 Samuel 7:7 When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for Your unfathomable love and mercy. Thank You that even when we get too big for our britches, You allow us to humble ourselves before You, to return to You and reestablish the rhythm of a loving relationship with You. Help us to check ourselves before we ever turn away, Lord. Help us to seek You, to draw closer to You, to root ourselves in You. Draw us closer. Amen.
1 Samuel 7:8 They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us….”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.