1 Samuel 12

“And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty” (v21).  The prophet Samuel saw the Israelite’s tendency to “turn aside” and chase idols (v10), and he warned them that “empty things” would not give them the protection, comfort, or prosperity they desired.  God Himself was the source of all good things, and every time Israel looked elsewhere for help, they suffered.  Even asking for a king was “wickedness” (v17), because God was their King.

“For consider what great things He has done for you” (v24).  When we meditate on the great things God has done for us, His kindness, forgiveness, and saving power, empty things lose their grip on our hearts.