1 Samuel 5:1-4  After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. (NIV)

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God is not a good-luck charm. 

Israel discovered that carrying the Ark of the Covenant with them into battle didn’t guarantee victory. They wanted to wield the Ark like a sword or spear. They wanted the Ark to replace many swords and spears. They wanted the Ark to mow down their enemies in waves of death. 

The only problem is that they never asked God if he wanted to be used like that. You get the picture that God is not interested in being used. 

God wants to be known. He wants us to listen to him. He wants us to do what he says. His instructions are always aimed toward our best possible outcomes.

Israel was not the only loser in this scenario. They put the Ark of God in Dagon’s temple. Dagon’s final disposition was like Goliath’s. Dagon was headless and handless and completely helpless. Of course, he was of no help when he had his head in his hands. Stone idols are like that, aren’t they? They can’t see or hear. They can’t give instructions. They can’t protect and defend. They can’t do anything but take up space. And Dagon took up more space than normal after losing his head and hands. 

The Bible Project guys point out how Goliath ended up headless like Dagon. Those who do God’s will, God’s way, in God’s timing tend to keep their heads. Those who try to use God to do their will, their way, usually end up losing theirs.

As we get ready to head out into this new day, let us go with God all along the way. Let’s remember his plans and purpose for us. Let’s seek his guidance in every decision. Let’s do what he says, even when it feels challenging. 

Use your head. Lend a hand. Trust God with all your heart. Follow his will and ways. He will make your path straight. (See Proverbs 3:5, 6.) 

God is not a good-luck charm. God doesn’t need luck, and he doesn’t give luck. Instead, he freely gives himself to all who seek him, know him, experience him, and help others do the same. Lucky you.

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I will not depend on lucky charms, and I will live in step with God and his purpose for me.

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Our Father, I trust you. I belong to you. I want to know and experience you in all I do today. Give me wisdom and clarity for all that’s before me. Direct my steps. Put your thoughts in my mind and your words in my mouth. Make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.