Finding Comfort

Samson was called by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines. And yet we find him falling asleep in the lap of a lady who delivered him into their hands!

Why did Samson end up in Delilah’s lap? I believe a primary reason was the need to be comforted. The opposite of comfort is pain, which can be anything from a little discomfort to great agony.

Several possible factors could have caused Samson pain. His calling as a Nazirite marked him as different in his dress, diet, and decorum. What affect did that have on him during his formative years? Was he made fun of by his peers and emotionally abused as a result? He suffered betrayal by his bride, his in-laws, and even his own people. He was all alone in his struggle to deliver his people. Any of these factors could have driven him to Delilah’s lap for comfort.

There are different paths of pain. Much of Samson’s pain was a result of disobedience, but that is not always what causes pain. Even when one is obeying the Lord and is in the center of God’s will, one can still encounter pain on the path.

Reflect:

Where are you looking for comfort? Is it in various possessions? Hobbies? Sports? Romance novels? Food? Drugs and alcohol? Computer games? Relationships? Some of these are not bad in and of themselves. But if they are taking the place of finding consolation in the Lord, we are on the same path as Samson. No matter what the source of pain is, there is only one place where we should go to find comfort. Jesus cares for you; pray now and bring him any anxieties or pain (1 Peter 5:7).