The history of the nation of Israel is given for our learning, and as we read through the various accounts, one cannot help but relate to some of their experiences. As Christians we have highs and we have lows, and Israel was no different.

As they transitioned from the wilderness to the Promised Land, God gave them Joshua as a leader, a type of Christ. While Joshua was with them, they served the Lord. This “high,” if we can call it that, extended a generation further, because they had the elders who had been around with Joshua and had a first-hand account of God’s dealings (Josh. 2:7).

After that, “another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals” (Judg. 2:10–11).

Seven times in Judges we read that the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. The Lord would deliver them into the hands of their enemies, not to be vindictive, but to bring them to the end of themselves so they would return to Him. In due course, they would cry unto the Lord, and He heard them.

The wonderful part of these accounts is seen in God’s response. He demonstrates lovingkindness beyond measure and does not give up on them. We may find ourselves in challenging circumstances due to our bad decisions—perhaps for the umpteenth time—but God wants us to cry out to Him as well. No matter how far you have strayed, He wants to receive you back. “For I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from before Your eyes’; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You” (Ps. 31:22).