I Samuel 8:8
“Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also.”
The Lord is pointing out a sad truth. The people had a strong tendency to stray. It happened all throughout their history. God would send His prophets or some sort of judgement to bring them back. Unfortunately, the same is true with us. Unless we tend to our relationship with Him, we also will stray.
It’s much like owning a garden. If it’s neglected, then the produce that’s in there will be crowded out by weeds. While there may be some fruit, it will be minimal. The owner needs to keep the weeds out, plant the desired seeds, prune and harvest.
We also need to purposely invest into our relationship with God for it to be healthy. We need to plant seed. This is the Word of God, the Bible. The parable of the sower wonderfully illustrates this (Mark 4). We need to read the Bible. It’s God’s voice to mankind.
We need to pray. This is our communication to Him. It’s often requests, but is much more. We should share the entirety of our experience: our joys, sorrows, disappointments, dreams, questions and so on. He can speak to us in these times.
We need to go to church and be connected to other believers. Hebrews 10:25 says, “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Our primary social group should be other believers. The verse speaks of encouraging one another. The players on the team have a common goal. They are there for each other and spur one another one. The encouragement of other believers keeps us on the path and makes us better.
We need to trust God through our difficulties. These are the times when many go astray. The disappointments are deep and the coping mechanisms are often ungodly. These are also the times when our faith’s roots can grow deep and strong. When the disciples were faced with a difficulty, Jesus asked, “Will you leave also?” Peter said, “Where can we go? Only You have the words of eternal life.” As we grow strong in the Lord, we see that everything else is futile.
Lord, help us not to stray. Help us to stay close to You and to do all those things that keep us close.