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Read: 1 Samuel 7:2-4
Listen: 1 Samuel 7

So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3

 The Israelites are surrounded by foreign nations. The Philistines press in from the west with an advanced culture and superior weapons, while the Amorites crowd them in the east. So, the Israelites repeatedly turn away from God and toward idols. They seek help and rescue from sources other than the Lord. Samuel calls the people to repent and return to God, leaving the idols behind. He reminds them that God will deliver them from their enemies as they are faithful to follow the Lord.

Repentance includes turning away from sin and toward Jesus. A rhythm of repentance is normal for Jesus followers. We turn away from complaint and toward God in gratitude. We turn to Jesus for rescue and away from the belief that we’re capable of saving ourselves. We turn to him for forgiveness and away from the need to hold onto hurts. We turn to him with generosity and away from the fear of needing more. Repentance is like a compass that directs us back to God. Through repentance, God provides freedom from sin and grows his character in us throughout our lives.

TODAY: Identify one area where you need to turn away from something and turn to Jesus. Pray, “Father, I need to turn to you and away from __________ . Help me live a faithful life. Amen.”  If you would like help living a faithful life, consider joining one of our new four-week Courageous Faith Groups. More information is available HERE.