To summarize what is going on at the human level in Judges 15:1–20, we see someone who is doing the right thing but in the wrong way or for the wrong reasons. Samson went after the Philistines, which was the right thing for him to do. His motive, however, was not Israel’s deliverance, but personal revenge. That was not his only option for achieving justice. He could have appealed to the divine Judge, trusting in God to point him in a better direction.
We are supposed to do the right thing in the right way, for the right reasons. What about our praying? Is this a right thing that we can do in the wrong way or with wrong motives? What is your prayer life like when life is going well? Do you remember the Lord, do you seek him constantly? Is there quite a difference in how often and fervently you pray when you need help? Samson called out to the Lord, which was the right thing, but not for God-glorifying reasons. How do you view dialogue with God in prayer? As an opportunity to mostly bring your needs to the Lord? Do you see prayer as also a huge opportunity to worship and magnify and adore and fellowship with your Lord? What do your prayers reveal about the temperature of your covenant relationship with the Lord?
Samson shows us much of the human condition. We tend to be far more preoccupied with ourselves than with the Lord, even while doing the right thing.
18 And he was very thirsty, and he called upon the LORD and said, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”