Daily Devotional for Wednesday, November 2

Samson and Delilah 

This must be one of the most hope-filled verses in all the Bible! It had been a bad season in Samson’s life. It started with hanging out with the prostitute in Gaza. That probably was not the best showing for a prophet of God despite walking off with the gate of that evil city. The affair with Delilah was not a great show of faithfulness either. It had started with a little lie that became a bigger lie. Then the truth had come out and here was poor Samson stuck in a Philistine prison with his hair cut. God had been the source of Samson’s strength and his long uncut hair had been the symbol of it. Gone was the hair and gone was the power of God. 

Sometimes it just seems like we have walked away from God’s will for our life; that there is no hope or chance for redemption. It seems like there is no clear way home like there was for the prodigal son of Jesus’ story. It does not seem like anything can bring the strength of God into our life. The psalmist even felt like this a time or two, crying out in one place, “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11). 

Samson’s hair began to grow again. “Howbeit the hair on his head began to grow again after he was shaven” (Judges16:22). We need to be reminded again and again that God’s power is just a prayer away after repentance when we humble ourselves and pray. David prayed, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:12).

REFLECTION: Can I remind you today that God is still able and willing to use you for his glory?

David Thompson