Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thursday's devotion - Vicious Cycles

Read Judges 6:1-10
The children of Israel are repeating their vicious cycle: they turn away from God, God sends enemies and hard times to drive them back to him, they call out to God, he delivers them. What a tragedy.
Why can't they just stay close to him? Why do they have to turn to Baal and Ashtorah all the time? You would think they would learn their lesson.
This sounds a little too familiar. I can find myself sidetracked by my schedule, worries about my kids, you know: those little foxes. Song of Solomon talks about the little foxes that spoil the vines. I don't have to fight turning away from God completly, I just have to fight the distractions like the temptation to worry or get stressed. Jesus said, Don't worry about tommorrow because tomorrow has enough to worry about. There has to be a road we can travel on that is above all this. There is! It's called "walking in the spirit and not fulfilling the desires of the flesh". Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. When we get busy in our routine of stress: look up! There is a higher road. Jump up on it. It is the road of peace, joy, and fulfillment. Jesus walks on that road and is a constant companion.
Lord, grow us beyond the cycle of the Israelites. We want to consistently walk with you, putting all our cares on you because you care for us. Make us like little children in our faith, but men in our strength. We love you.

No comments: