CHASING AFTER TROUBLE
Today's reading:  Judges 1-6

"They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt.  They chased after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them.  And they angered the Lord."  Judges 2:12 NLT

Who would chase after trouble?  Who, in their right mind, would abandon the Lord?

No level-headed, raised on the Bible, leading a good life adult that I know of...unless you put it into other words:

Is it chasing after other gods or worshiping other gods when I go the way I want to go, instead of the way He is directing?

Is it chasing after other gods when I call it a 'gray area', knowing full well God calls it black or white?

Is it when I ignore my convictions?  The pressure in my spirit?  The knowledge of my soul?

When I dabble in what I deem to be little sins? 

When I cross the line, just to see what will happen--not planning on staying?

When I determine to do it just this once?  Or maybe just one more time? 

Determining to stay beside the Lord forces me to make decisions on a regular basis not to stray or wander.  He does not tie me to Him by a string, a rope or a logging chain--sometimes I believe it would be easier if He did...but would it be love keeping us together if so?  On His part or on mine?

Today I'm determined to watch a little more closely what it is I'm chasing after.

What about you?