As I have been studying the book of Judges, I am constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness in the midst of our faultiness. He is constantly caring for His people, even when we don’t deserve it. His command to the Isrealites, from the beginning was simple, “I am the Lord you God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. …” (Judges 6:10). How difficult is it to ignore the gods of the world? They Israelites saw all the things that God had done for them, freeing from slavery, parting of the Red Sea, manna and water in the desert, destroying Jericho without their hands; how is it that those stories didn’t travel down to the generations?
As you watch the people of Israel throughout Scripture, you can see the issue. I believe that it is the same thing for us also. We get caught up in the things around us. They got caught up in society and the people of the community and the work, that they allowed God to be crowded out of their minds and hearts.
As God watches us turn from Him, His heart hurts for His children to return. He wasnts them to take a few moments and sit with Him. Spend a little time with Him, and fellowship with Him.
As Israel “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” (vs. 1), God watched and even “gave them into the hands of Midian” (vs. 1). Not because He didn’t care, but because He wanted them to return to Him. He wanted them to seek His Kingdom. God wants us close. He wants to protect us and keep us safe. Though we get into difficult situations, God always has a plan for renewal.
God chose Gideon to renew the relationship of His people with Himself. Gideon didn’t think he was qualified or in a position to lead others. But God reminded and reassured him, “Surely I will be with you and you shall defeat Midian as one man” (vs. 16).
God reminds us of that same promise. He is always with us, no matter what we have to face, He will be there every step of the way, as long as we follow His commands.
Are you taking time to fellowship with God? Are you remembering the stories of His great faithfulness? Maybe its time. He is faithful.