There may come a day in each of our lives as believer’s that we will suffer a most devastating defeat at the hands of our enemy, a trial so severe it will cause us to doubt and become afraid. And if this is not bad enough, it will seem the very Presence of God has been taken from us.

Yet, as dear children of God, we also know what caused Adam to hide and to be afraid because he was naked, although Adam never heard that from God. (Genesis 3:11)

As dear children of God, we “must guard our heart, for out of it springs the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

The Greatest Gift Almighty God has given to His humankind, is His Son Jesus. Not only as Savior of the world, but God Incarnate - Emmanuel, God is with us.

No defeat, no trepidation, no loss of anything in this life can “separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:31) And certainly not His Presence.

In Samuel’s day, there were keepers of the Box. But not in our days. Let us be keepers of our Lord’s presence, to hold, to cherish and to worship Him all the days of this life, and the Life to come.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You that not every failure we experience is Your hand of spanking. But I realize that sometimes, setbacks are the consequences of sin or folly. Give me wisdom to see when losses are the result of sin, as losing the battle was the result of Israel's sin in today's passage. Teach me to be thankful for Your discipline, both when I sin and also when You bring losses and trials just to teach me perseverance. Help me grow into the obedient and faithful child of God You want me to be. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

We can so easily be deceived that we are honoring God by wearing a religious symbol, having a Bible nearby, and going to church. Rather, love God, honor Him, and get His word into your heart, as King David wrote, so that you will not sin against Him. (Psalm 119:11)