Keeping Our Hearts--Day 115 Through the Bible

Although we may appear strong and dedicated on the outside, is there an area in our hearts that persistently causes us grief and results in sin?  Samson was dedicated to keeping the vow of a Nazarite, yet as we read his story we see weaknesses that continually plagued him. Before he suffered physical blindness, he was a victim of spiritual blindness. Women and vengeance took their toll on Samson's life.

While reading about Delilah's attempts to discover the source of  Samson's strength it is so obvious to us what she is doing.  However, Samson was blinded by his "love" for her and could not see the obvious.  We are reminded to draw the lines far away from our points of weakness.  Samson would not drink of the fruit of the vine, but allowed himself to fall in love with the enemy.  He was so comfortable lying in Delilah's lap that he eventually gave her the information she was seeking.  His love affair was all one-sided and Samson was so wrapped up in what he wanted, he could not recognize imminent danger. 

King David also fell prey to his desire for a woman and committed adultery and murder in order to fulfill his desires.  God forgave David and granted Samson's request, however, both men experienced miserable times in their lives that could have been avoided by obedience to God.  In contrast, Joseph set a tremendous example of obedience to God and fled when Potiphar's wife desired him.  Regardless of our weaknesses and sins God loves and forgives us when we turn to Him in repentance.  It is comforting to know that Samson is listed among the faithful in Hebrews 11, and that God considered David a man after His own heart.

We are reminded in Proverbs 4:23, to "Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life".
We are all different and may not be tempted by the same desires that tempted Samson and David.  However, we have our own strongholds and sins that bring us comfort and the appearance of fulfillment.  We hopefully ask God to help us recognize and deal with these weaknesses rather than taking pleasure in them and being oblivious to them--until it is too late. 

In Luke 18, the writer mentions that Jesus spoke a parable "to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others".  The Pharisee went on to list all the things he did that were religiously oriented.  He used the word "I" five times in his dissertation.  The tax collector humbly recognized his need for God.  May we not judge Samson, David, or anyone else, but rather recognize our own need for God and seek His input and guidance in our lives.