For God is love. 1 John 4:8

Yesterday, I was reading from 1 Samuel 4 (Old Testament) where the Israelites gathered the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh and took it into battle against the Philistines. Surprisingly, the Philistines defeat the Israelites and capture the Ark taking it back to their encampment (at Ashdod). As I was reading, it dawned on me that perhaps the Israelites lost this particular battle because they didn’t hear God in the battle; they only assumed the Ark would lead them to victory as opposed to having that ever present relationship of guidance and direction to win the battle. Maybe it is not about the battle but about hearing Him–having that trusting relationship with the magnificence of His beauty and goodness. Dearest Lord, let us know You; help us to understand. Love to all.

Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality