Judges 10:10-14
10 And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, saying, “We have sinned against you, because >we have forsaken our God and have served the Baals.” 11 And the Lord said to the people of Israel, “Did I not save you from the Egyptians and from the Amorites, from the Ammonites and from the Philistines? 12 The Sidonians also, and the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you, and you cried out to me, and I saved you out of their hand. 13 Yet you have forsaken me and served other gods; therefore I will save you no more. 14 Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.”
One of the harsh truths of life is that God sometimes lets us experience the unpleasant consequences of our choices. In this case Israel had chosen to worship other gods, and that didn't bring them the peace and happiness they had wanted. But when they then asked God for help, He tells Israel to go ask their other gods for help (verse 14). God knows that the other false gods can't provide any help, but Israel needs to learn this. In essence, God is letting the people of Israel "hit bottom", so that they will be willing to give up their old ways and submit themselves to Him. Similarly, in recovery we sometimes have to "hit bottom" so that we will be willing to give up our old ways and submit to God and the discipline of recovery.
God, forgive me for turning away from you. You alone are my hope; help me to turn from my false idols and worship You.
10 And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, saying, “We have sinned against you, because >we have forsaken our God and have served the Baals.” 11 And the Lord said to the people of Israel, “Did I not save you from the Egyptians and from the Amorites, from the Ammonites and from the Philistines? 12 The Sidonians also, and the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you, and you cried out to me, and I saved you out of their hand. 13 Yet you have forsaken me and served other gods; therefore I will save you no more. 14 Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.”
One of the harsh truths of life is that God sometimes lets us experience the unpleasant consequences of our choices. In this case Israel had chosen to worship other gods, and that didn't bring them the peace and happiness they had wanted. But when they then asked God for help, He tells Israel to go ask their other gods for help (verse 14). God knows that the other false gods can't provide any help, but Israel needs to learn this. In essence, God is letting the people of Israel "hit bottom", so that they will be willing to give up their old ways and submit themselves to Him. Similarly, in recovery we sometimes have to "hit bottom" so that we will be willing to give up our old ways and submit to God and the discipline of recovery.
God, forgive me for turning away from you. You alone are my hope; help me to turn from my false idols and worship You.