The events of the book of Judges have a very distinct pattern to them. The cycle is summarised in 2:10-19. It goes like this: the people forget God and worship the gods of their Canaanite neighbours. God then gives them over to their neighbours who oppress them. They cry out to God who answers them by sending a judge (a warlord) who delivers them. When the judge dies, they again forget about God and the whole cycle starts over again. It might amaze you, as you read this, that the Israelites never seem to learn. They just keep forgetting God and keep giving themselves over to the practices of the Canaanites. But think about your own life. Your situation may not be as dramatic as that of the Israelites, but do you see a similar cycle in your own life? You have that mountain-top experience with God when everything is clear and your commitment is firm. But as life goes on you get distracted and your heart strays. And then, when you realise this, you cry out to God and he brings you back to the ‘mountain’ which begins the cycle all over again. Of course, there are natural ups and downs to the Christian walk but the cycle I have described is altogether unnecessary. You won’t always live on a spiritual high, but you can stay close to God and remain committed to his agenda through the ups and downs of life. The key is to keep short accounts with God. Spend regular time with God, let him search your heart and highlight where you might be going wrong.
Ask God to show you anything that he is concerned about in your life.
Read Judges 2:10 – 4:3
