Don't Fall Asleep in Delilah's Lap

When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him.

Judges 16:18-19

Samson's life wasn't an easy one. He lived during a time when Israel was oppressed by the Philistines. He constantly found himself in opposition to and in conflict with his oppressors. Of course, some of the difficulties he experienced were of his own making, but it was a hard life still. Unfortunately, Samson made matters worse by seeking comfort in all the wrong places. First, he sought comfort food in the wrong place when he turned aside to eat honey from a lion's carcass in Judges 14. But it's in chapter 16 that Samson's bad habit reaches its zenith. At the beginning of the chapter he seeks comfort in the arms of a prostitute. It nearly cost him his life. The rest of the chapter is dedicated to the worst mistake of Samson's life... seeking comfort and love from a woman named Delilah. What the Philistines were never able to take from Samson by sword, military strategy or might this woman stole by deception, manipulation and persistent nagging. And where was this strong man, this greatest of warriors when Delilah delivered the fatal blow that robbed him of his strength? He was curled up sleeping comfortably in her lap, lulled into a false sense of security as his life was betrayed for money. 

Learn a lesson from Samson. He sought comfort in the arms of the enemy. He gave her his heart. He listened to her lies and deceptions. Don't do the same! 

Believer, you have an Enemy. He is a master of deception, a dealer in the finest comforts this world has to offer, and he is currently working patiently and persistently to lull you into a false sense of security. He would have you curl up comfortably and fall asleep in his velvet-covered bear trap before he springs it on you. He will manipulate and deceive you. Be on your guard! Don't fall asleep in Delilah's lap!

All of us have tasted the forbidden fruit in one way or another and it has made fools of us all. We have sought comfort in alcohol, drugs, pornography, money, sex outside of marriage, or the approval of men only to have them be our downfall. Don't repeat your mistakes! The comforts this world offers have nothing for you. Don't be deceived. There is no rest for you in the things the Lord calls sin. Find comfort and rest in Him alone. Let the Lord be your refuge and strength. He alone is your source of every good thing in this world.