Read: 1 Samuel 4-8
Focus Verse: “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 Sam 7:3).
Devotion: The ark of the LORD was captured and the LORD punished the Philistines because of it. Even after Israel got it back, Israel suffered. Even Israel was punished because they didn’t serve God fully. Things in their life we’re struggling because they were focused on things that were NOT God. That’s the call of Samuel, to abandon other gods, other created distractions, and focus only on God. Things always go better when we focus on God. Don’t let yourself be distracted, giving too much attention to that which is created, if you do, there won’t be any room for God. Instead, place God before all other distractions, it will be well with your soul.
Pray: LORD I pray I will focus on only You. Help me limit distractions till your face is all I see. Amen.
Additional Scripture “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1)