Keeping a Watch
And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. Judges 16:4
Read Proverbs 5:1-6
Samson was able to escape from his enemy, the Philistines, by carrying the gates of Gaza to the top of a mountain overlooking Hebron. How mystifying this feat was to the Israelites, and what a great surprise it was to the Philistines. It is not long, though, until Samson descended from this high point into a valley of sinful temptation. This is plainly revealed in verse 4. At Sorek he became enamoured with a Philistine woman named Delilah. Mountaintops and deep chasms often run parallel to each other. Be careful when you think that your relationship with the Lord is going well. Observe what happened to Samson. Be extra alert when you have been touched by a sermon or feel good about yourself after having had a serious conversation with some careless peers.
There may be moments in your life that you, like Samson at Sorek, idle your time away. Beware especially then, and pray for God’s protection. The old and new man constantly struggle against one another to get the upper hand in the lives of all who seek the Lord. A mountaintop may give a beautiful view, but a valley and a chasm may be close at hand.
Question: Are you aware of mountaintops and deep chasms in your life?
Psalter 31:3, 4 (based on Psalm 17) O Thou that ever savest those Whose trust on Thee is stayed, Preserving them from all their foes By Thy almighty aid, Let me Thy loving kindness see, Thy wondrous mercy, full and free. O guard me well as Thou dost guard The apple of the eye; While deadly foes are pressing hard, To Thee, to Thee I cry. Do Thou my rest and refuge be, O let Thy wings o’er- shadow me.