ABANDONED
Today's reading: Judges 1-3

"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

Abandon-to withdraw protection, support or help from; to leave or forsake.

The Hebrew language uses a the word 'forsook' to describe what the Israelites did to the Lord. In their definition it is said, 'to loosen bands and let go a beast from its bonds'.

I get that word picture.

I get it every time I put our new puppy, Scout, on a leash.

She doesn't want it.

She believes she doesn't need it.

She fights hard against it.

She thinks it hinders her ability to roam freely, sniff every flower she desires, chase after every thing that moves and run off to where her heart leads.

But I know about the road.

I know about the passing cars. About what the mass/energy/speed ratio of a large piece of machinery might have against her little puppy body.

So when she chews on her leash to be freed, I scold her.

Doesn't God do the same?

When I think I know what's best...

When I think I know what would work out perfectly for my life...

When I believe I can do it on my own...

When I feel confined by His rules and His leadings...

I can attempt to loosen His control of me, to walk away from His wisdom, to show the world how much I can accomplish on my own--or I can stay bound to Him--safe, cared for and secure.