Like Samson?

Samson is an interesting Biblical figure. He is usually portrayed as a strong, mighty hero, and his story is often listed among the top Biblical accounts.

However, upon closer inspection, it seems that Samson seems to have had more downfalls than victories. Although there were numerous instances in which he was “filled with the Spirit of the LORD,” he desecrated his holy Nazarite vow several times which implied disrespect for this sacred ordinance, got engaged to a Philistine woman, grieved his parents, and, finally, fell in love with another evil Philistine woman and revealed to her the secret source of his strength. And in all his career as judge, he was only listed to have “called on the name of the LORD” twice.

Although Samson was ordained by God to defeat the Philistines, and although God graciously filled him with His Spirit numerous times, Samson would probably not be the most exemplary Biblical role model for us to follow. As God’s children, we would not want to let God’s Spirit control only some of our actions and victories. We would desire to live a constant, prayer and Spirit-filled life, where our hearts are closer to God and where His Spirit controls our every action, thought, and word. We ought to call on Him always, not just in times of most desperate need. We would do well not to rely on ourselves or the qualities that we think make us strong, but rather lean on the One who is the only source of strength.

Meditating on the tragic story of Samson prompted me to write this prayer.

Lord, help me not to err like Samson,

Strong though he was.

Render me to be full of Your Spirit,

But not insensitive to His leading.

Grant me to call on You always,

Not just in times of dire need.

Help me not to violate my purity

By consorting with the world.

May I put You first,

Above my fleshly will.

Be my everything,

Not just my aid.

For I’d rather be weak, relying on Your strength,

Then able to knock down pillars,

Yet, at heart, be far from You.