Using or loving God?

As soon as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, "What does this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" And when they learned that the ark of the Lord had come to the camp, the Philistines were afraid, for they said, "A god has come into the camp." And they said, "Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before.” 1 Samuel 4:5-7 (ESV Strong's)
 
Things were not going well, so the people decided to drag God into the formula. It was not as if they were seeking God, but instead, they were attempting to use God. Loving God is different than using God. Loving God is different than manipulating God. Those who get in the habit of calling on the name of God in times of trouble, and ignoring Him during peaceful times, will be disappointed in God's absence. God is not manipulated or used, and those who attempt to do so
will be most disappointed.
 




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