“What’s In Your Box” was the title of lesson 5 in the Bible study I am leading through the book of 1 Samuel.  In this study, we found the Israelites heading out to battle against the Philistines only to get thoroughly defeated.  Their solution is to regroup and take the ark of the covenant with them into battle.  The ark represented God’s presence among them and although they had been given very specific instructions from God on how to treat the ark, their desire to have God with them in battle seemed to outweigh any obedience to His instructions.  Rather than seek God and listen to His plan, it appears they thought that if they could take “God in the box” (an ark is by definition simply a box, or chest) with them into battle then victory would be assured.  We know the result though — the Philistines not only defeat them again but they capture the ark and take it away from the Israelites.

It is easy to look at that from our point in history and think, “What did they expect?  You can’t contain God in a box.”  Yet how often do we have a “box” that we try to keep God in so that we can bring Him out on special occasions and when in desperate need?  Sometimes our box is a physical item.  If we just have our Bible, that special cross necklace, a sacred keepsake, then God is with us — He has to be because we have the item that we carry him around in.  Sometimes our box is a little less tangible.  Perhaps a talent or ability, a giftedness or personal strength, even a friendship or relationship with another person — we think if this is present then we know God is with us.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with any of these — remember the ark of the covenant was God’s idea! 

The problem is that when we allow them to become more than reminders and tools to know God — they become our god.  When we replace a relationship with the living God with anything else, we have settled for a cheap (and ineffective) substitute.  If we carry our Bible to show God is with us yet never open it, nor read and do what it says, we will likely find that our “box” does us little good when we face temptation and the enemy.  If we carry our giftedness from God as a badge of honor yet never seek out His wisdom in how and when to use it, are we really worshiping God or just ourself?

So, what is your box and what is in it?  Do you spend time with God or just with the objects that remind you of God?  When trouble comes, and it will come, do you find strength in the confidence and faith that God is really with you or are you left defeated and wondering why God didn’t show up when you have “His” box with you? 

I pray that the “box” of your covenant with God is a constant reminder of the vibrant and growing relationship that you have with Him.  I pray that when the day of trouble comes that your box is not empty but it is filled with the tools necessary to draw you into communication with God for the purpose of knowing Him, His plans, His will, and His direction in your life.