December 28, 2023: Direct Your Heart

"...Samuel said, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." (1 Samuel 7:3, ESV)
 
Repentance is a change of heart and a decision we make. Israel was facing her enemy, the Philistines. Is it not amazing when we find ourselves threatened by trouble that we call on the name of the Lord, saying, "Lord, save us!”

It was no different in Samuel's day. He knew their hearts, just as God knows our hearts. Samuel understood this, so he was directing their hearts into both faith and repentance. Do you remember when your mom would make you say you're sorry as a kid? You weren't sorry. You were sorry you were in trouble! Samuel knew that God was after the hearts of His people, Israel, so he directed their hearts back to God.

Let that be a 'game changer' for you when you are in trouble. Don't just ask God to deliver you from trouble; give him your heart. Turn away from the sin that so easily entangles. Let God have your heart. Serve Him only. God does not want to be your Savior only when you are in trouble. He wants to be your Savior every day! He wants to hold your heart in His hand so you might experience His goodness and enjoy Him.