Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Samuel – When Disaster strikes!

1Samuel 4v3 “Why did the LORD bring defeat on us today?”

Do you ever feel like everything around you is falling apart?

Samuel was probably in his twenties when it seemed like his whole world was collapsing. His nation, Israel, lost a major battle against the Philistines. So for the next battle, they decided to take the ark of the covenant with them, thinking it would bring them good luck. The ark represented God’s presence and was usually kept at the center of worship.

But things got even worse. The Philistines captured the ark and killed Eli the priest’s two sons. When Eli heard the news, he fell over and died too. The people cried out, “The glory has departed from Israel.”

Then something unexpected happened — the presence of the ark brought trouble to the Philistines, and they eventually sent it back to Israel. Through all of this, the people began to respect God again and said, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?”

The Israelites had forgotten about God’s holiness. Their faith had become just a ritual. So God allowed disaster to get their attention and refocus their hearts on Him. A new generation grew up with a renewed awe and respect for God’s presence.

We need that same reverence today. God isn’t someone we should turn to only in times of crisis — He deserves our worship every day.Lord, give us a deeper reverence for You and Your holiness today. Help us to honour You not just in crisis, but in every moment of life.

With love and blessing,

Roland