When the Spirit Departs: Finding Your Way Back to GOD (Inspired by Samson's Story)

Life can be a relentless journey, filled with highs and lows, ups and downs, triumphs and heartaches. There are moments when we feel utterly connected to GOD, as if His presence is a tangible warmth surrounding us. And then, there are times when the silence is deafening, when the heavens seem shut, and the words of the prophet echo in our hearts: "My GOD, my GOD, why have you forsaken me?" Perhaps you’re in such a season right now, feeling abandoned, adrift, and yearning to find your way back to the loving embrace you once knew.

It’s a feeling as old as humanity itself, a struggle woven into the very fabric of the Hebrew Scriptures. One story, in particular, offers a stark, yet ultimately hopeful, reflection of this very experience: the tragic tale of Samson.

In Judges 16:20, we read a chilling verse that captures the essence of abandonment:

"And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that GOD had left him."

— Judges 16:20 (ESV)

Imagine Samson's shock, his profound realization. He had grown accustomed to the anointing, the supernatural strength, the undeniable presence of GOD in his life. He operated under the assumption that it would always be there, a given. Yet, through a series of unwise and foolish choices, a slow drift from his consecrated calling, the Spirit of GOD departed. He "did not know" until it was too late, until the consequences were upon him.

Have you ever felt that way? Like you’ve drifted so far, made so many compromises, that the Spirit you once knew has quietly slipped away? Perhaps you woke up one day and realized the joy was gone, the passion extinguished, and the vibrant connection to GOD felt like a distant memory. It's a painful place to be, but take heart—Samson's story, and indeed the entire Old Testament, offers a profound pathway back.

Words of Wisdom: Understanding GOD’S Heart

The Old Testament, far from being a record of a distant and unfeeling GOD, reveals a deeply relational Creator whose heart continually yearns for His people to return.

• GOD is a GOD of Covenant, not just Rules: From Abraham (Genesis 12) to Moses (Exodus 19-24), GOD initiated covenants—sacred promises of relationship. Even when His people broke their side, His steadfast love (Hebrew: hesed) endured. He is bound by His own character to be faithful, even when we are faithless.
• His Steadfast Love Endures Forever: The Psalms are replete with this truth. Psalm 136, for example, repeats "for His steadfast love endures forever" 26 times! It’s a drumbeat, a constant reminder that GOD’S love is unchangeable or dependent on our perfection. It’s an unchanging attribute of His being. Even when we feel abandoned, His love has not ceased.
• He Hears the Cry of the Contrite: Think of David after his grievous sin with Bathsheba. His prayer in Psalm 51 isn’t a list of excuses, but a heartbroken cry for mercy. "A broken and contrite heart, O GOD, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Your brokenness, your yearning to return, is not something GOD turns away from; it's what He draws near to.

Words of Knowledge: The Path Back is Always Open

The TANAKH provides countless examples of individuals and a nation who strayed, felt the consequences, and found their way back.

• Repentance is a Turning: The Hebrew word for repentance, shuv, literally means "to turn" or "to return." It's not just feeling sorry; it's a change of direction. When the Hebrews turned away from idolatry, GOD always met them. "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). This promise isn't just for a nation; it's for every individual heart.
• GOD is Ready to Restore: The book of Joel, written after a devastating plague, calls the people to return. "Return to YAH your GOD, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster" (Joel 2:13). The message is clear: GOD isn't waiting to punish; He's waiting to embrace.
• Even in the Depths, Hope Remains: The prophet Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," delivered harsh warnings, yet even in lament, he found hope: "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of GOD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:21-23). Even when all seems lost, GOD’S mercies are fresh for you, right now.

Words of Understanding: Your Return Matters to Him

Samson's story doesn't end with him defeated and blind. In his final moments, stripped of his former glory, he cries out to GOD, and GOD answers. "Then Samson called to GOD and said, 'O YAH GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O GOD...'" (Judges 16:28). And YAH granted his request. Even after all his failures, his abandonment of his vow, GOD heard his cry and restored his strength for a final, redemptive act.

Your desire to return to GOD is not a surprise to Him. It is, in fact, an invitation from His Spirit, gently tugging at your heart. He doesn't abandon; He allows us to experience the void when we drift, so that the longing for His presence becomes overwhelming enough to turn us back.

If you feel abandoned, remember this:

• You are not alone. The faithful, the flawed, and the repentant throughout the Old Testament walked this path.
• GOD’S character is unwavering. His love is eternal, His mercy boundless.
• The way back is simple: Turn. Humble your heart, confess your sins, and ask Him to return to you. He is already there, waiting.

Just as Samson, in his darkest hour, found GOD responsive to his plea, so too will you. The Spirit may have seemed to depart, but the Father's heart never stopped yearning for His child to come home.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Shalom qodesh qadasheem - the “set apart ones.”