I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

1 Samuel 7. “And Samuel said, ‘Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.’  So they gathered together at Mizpah, drew water, and poured it out before the Lord. And they fasted that day, and said there, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ And Samuel judged the children of Israel at Mizpah. Now when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines.  So the children of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines'” (Verses 5-8). These verses are filled with lessons. The children of Israel realize that they have broken God’s heart. They put away false idols and gather at Mizpah to ask God to forgive them. They pray the fast, they listen as Samuel judges their sins. They confess and leave their hearts contrite before God. The Philistines (whom we know are NOT very bright), decide that this would be a good time to attack Israel (yes, let’s attack while they are spending time with God, you know, the One who all about destroyed us). Really guys? Have your learned nothing from you short stint with the Ark? Israel is nervous, but instead of giving in to their fears, they pray, they ask Samuel to pray. They take their requests to GOD. This week I have been worried about much, but these verses remind us, worry won’t help. Fear can’t solve problems, only God can. Take our requests, our problems, our fears to the only One that can fix what’s wrong. GOD.