‘…she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.’ Judges 16:16 NIV
When you’re emotionally drained and under pressure, you’re vulnerable to making serious mistakes. Samson did. Notice how Delilah brought him down: ‘…she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. So he told her everything…’ (Judges 16:16-17 NIV) You can attend church every week and read your Bible from cover to cover, but it will do you little good if you’re running around physically and spiritually depleted. Furthermore, it’s hard to live with such a person, and almost impossible to help them because their mind is in the grip of a negative force. You say, ‘What’s the answer?’ (1) Examine the company you’re keeping. When you need rest and relief go to the right people; when you’re feeling down, reach for those who can lift you up. The Psalmist said, ‘I am a friend to all…who follow Your precepts.’ (Psalm 119:63 NIV) (2) Check your fuel gauge. Samson wore himself out in a good cause because he failed to replenish his soul. Are you doing that? One New Year’s Day during the Tournament of Roses parade in California, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit-out of petrol. The whole parade was held up until someone found a petrol can. The funny thing was that this float represented the Standard Oil Company. The Bible says, ‘He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.’ (Isaiah 40:29 NIV) As you spend time with God in prayer and the Scriptures, He will strengthen you and give you back your peace and stability. It’s the ultimate therapy. It’s also the ultimate protection!
SoulFood: Gen 6:9-8:4, Matt 24:37-51
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2012
