Why is it that it takes tribulations, hard times, trauma, and stress to turn us back to God? There’s something about our sinful nature that strives after being master of our own destiny, ruler of our own choices… until that destiny or choices leads us straight into the land of hard times, stress, trauma, and tribulations. Of course, not every trial and tribulation is our own doing. Yet, at the core of all trials, even the ones that come from the outside, there is the tainted smell of sin and its results of creating havoc in this world.

What’s described here in Deuteronomy is a scenario where the people of God turn from God and turn to Idols. Moses is sharing with them the true nature of God, that even in the midst of their rebellion, when they realize where they actually should turn, God is there. Not only is He there, but He has orchestrated through his Grace and patience their return to Him. And upon return, they find their Lord, merciful and ever-present. They find a God who actually never left them, and promises to never leave or forsake them because He keeps His promises.

Brothers and Sisters. Please take comfort and joy that no matter the tribulations, self-made or otherwise, God is right there. Mercifully waiting for our return to Him. Lovingly showing us that He was right there all along and that in the future we don’t need to leave because His love and mercy are the benefits of the commitment He made to us in Christ.

I pray and hope with you that we will understand how incredible it is to have such a merciful and loving God that orchestrates our return to Him. The LORD our God who will not leave us or destroy us because of His commitment to us!

So thankful to constantly return to our Merciful and Loving God,
Pastor Mike