Inspirational Sunday

"And God took Israel's troubles to heart."

Judges 10:16b (MSG)

Rae's Thought: There's a major misconception that God is a holy tyrant who enjoys seeing His people suffer, especially if they deserved what was coming to them. Some people have a hard time believing that He actually cares. God couldn't possibly waste His time caring about us little people, right? Wrong!

God cares...more than we could ever imagine. Did you know that, when you hurt, He hurts - even when you've brought the troubles upon your own self? The Israelites had brought their own destruction upon themselves. He'd warn them about what would happen if they turned from Him and worshipped other gods. In fact, He warned them repeatedly. Did they listen? Maybe for a little while, but then, the temptation to stray proved hard to resist. What happened? Exactly what God said would happen. They were overtaken by other nations. They cried out to God. His first answer was, "Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble." (Judges 10:14) They cried out again and even got rid of the other gods. Finally, God moved on their behalf.

Verse 16 paints a totally different picture from the uncaring tyrant some believe God to be. He couldn't bear seeing the Israelites in misery, even though they'd disobeyed Him over and over again. He couldn't stand to see them in pain. William MacDonald (Believer's Bible Commentary) tells us that this verse "gives us some insight into the Lord's great heart of tenderness. Like a father, He was moved by the plight of His wayward children. Their misery called for His mercy." God is not the cold and unloving being people paint Him to be. He doesn't find delight in seeing His children suffer. He doesn't enjoy watching us go through the fire, nor does He take pleasure in punishing us when we disobey. His attitude is not, 'You deserved it, so you deal with it'; it's 'You deserved it, but I'll deal with it.'

Personally, it's awesome to know that I serve a loving and caring God - one who, even when my struggles are of my own doing, is merciful and willing to move on my behalf.