Prone to Wander

Judges 2-5: We are entering into a book that shows us a cyclical pattern with Israel. As long as their spiritual leader is alive and they are listening to and following that leader, they do well, but then the leader dies and Israel does what is right in their own eyes and they get far off of God’s path. Eventually God allows the fruit of their choices to become evident and He allows and sometimes even sends a conquering nation, famine, or pestilence of varying kinds to bring Israel back to Himself. Moses and Joshua warned that this would happen and indeed it does. Eventually God sends a judge to help Israel again return to God and for a while Israel stays on the right path. The the cycle repeats itself again.

It is so easy to see this cycle in the life of Israel, but it is much harder to see it in our own life and nation. We love it when life is going well, but with that many times we pull away from our dependency on God. We do what seems right in our own eyes. We yield to our own god of flesh and convenience. We get away from reading our Bible daily. We may even become less frequent in church. Our giving to the church may get less or even dry up. We make excuses as we slowly fade into a much cooler relationship with the Father. Before we know it we are on a path that is far from what we know God desires and wants. It is the that hard times come and we find ourselves calling out to God. In His compassion and mercy He draws us closer to Himself and realize once again our dependance on Him. Once again we find ourselves in the Word, attending church, and maybe even kindling christian friendships again.

Satan also knows this pattern and uses it to not just distract us, but our families and communities. The key is to be aware of his tactics. Be aware of your own longing for convenience and prosperity that causes us to know lean on the Father. Nip the temptation in the bud and don’t allow your heart to chase after the things of this world. I am sure that is why the writer of Hebrews remind us to throw off the sin that so easily entangles us and run with endurance keeping our eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Keeping our eyes on Him will put us back on the right path and prevent our wandering hearts from meandering away.

Father, please keep us pursuing You and Your righteousness for Your Kingdom’s sake. Keep us far from evil and running with and toward YOU.

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