“It is all right,” the Lord replied. “Do not be afraid. You will not die.” And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”) … – Judges 6:23-24 NLT
During the time of the judges, Israel seems to be dedicated and loyal to the LORD. It would appear they had a true relationship and fellowship with the LORD.
However, whenever a judge dies, the Israelites, for some odd reasons, abandon the true living God to follow and serve the gods of their neighbours.
I am convinced that the Israelites did not have an intimate relationship with the LORD hence their spiritual wandering. They probably had a relationship with the judge God was using at the time rather than with the LORD Himself.
There is a lesson for us as Christians as our behaviour at times is no different from that of the people of Israel.
We need to develop a loyal and intimate relationship with the LORD. Loyalty to church leaders, church activities, or programmes is not the same and can subtly cause us to drift or wander from the LORD.
In what other ways do Christians wander or drift from the presence of the LORD?
Sin – is one main reason Christians wander or drift spiritually. Sin brings with it shame and guilt which sometimes prevents us from returning or seeking the LORD. The solution is to acknowledge our errors and confess them then return in fellowship to the LORD.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 (NLT)
We need to understand that God is ever ready to receive us back in fellowship with Himself.
Busyness – is another reason Christians wander from God without knowing it. Satan’s strategy against Christians today is his ability to make people very busy doing really good things.
Prayerfully consider your schedule or calendar and let God show you activities that can be done by others, therefore giving you more time to focus on your relationship with Him.
Misplaced Affections – We need to be careful not to set our hearts on things or activities that do not have eternal value, importance or significance.
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions…” 1 John 2:15-16 (NLT)
Money – An increase in wealth usually means increased dexterity and time spent monitoring and managing it.
“…And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life” Psalms 62:10 (NLT); “For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin. Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it…” 1 Timothy 6:10 (TLB)
A life dedicated to the LORD will guarantee a life filled with the peace of God and peace with God.
In the next blog, we shall discuss what robs us of our peace and well-being.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 