Raiders of the Lost Peace
In Judges 6 we learn that God raised up the Midianites to oppress Israel for seven years. What’s unusual about this is that the Midianites were not warriors. They were nomads on camels. While the Philistines extended their kingdom by seizing land and establishing strongholds, the Midianites swarmed by their vast numbers, stole, and then fled.
In response to these invasions the Israelites, just prior to attacks, would flee in fear, hiding in the mountains. As long as they could keep their lives, they were willing to put up with the vexing loss of livestock, produce, and peace.
The nomadic Midianite marauders are also found in modern times. No, not in a literal sense but certainly as representations of anything or anyone who is robbing us of our daily spiritual exercises of Bible study, prayer, caring for our family, serving others, or reading great books that inspire us to greater faith and godliness.
The Bible says that we should not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. The spiritual warfare we face is real. Only a strong offense will keep the Midianite invaders away. They won’t advance if they know their targeted victims will fight back. But Midianite invaders are shrewd and subtle. They don’t want to kill us. In fact, they need us. They want us to stay alive so that we can keep them filled. They love to keep us involved in non-essential vain pursuits. The prophet Samuel wrote:
“And turn ye not aside: for then you should go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.” (I Sam 12)
It took Israel 7 years to finally say, “Enough is enough,” and cry out to God for help. Once they recognized their sin of apathy and idolatry, they turned their fear into faithful devotion to God and He promptly delivered them. In a similar sense, is it time for us to say, “Enough is enough?” If so, God will deliver promptly.
If you’re struggling and feeling like you’re being attacked by the Midianites, I pray that the following promises will encourage you and bring hope:
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. ~Psalm 18:2
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. ~Psalm 18:3
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. ~Psalm 18:6
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. ~Psalm 18:17
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. ~Psalm 18:19
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
~Psalm 18:28-30
Tired of running from the Midianites? Tired of having them rob you of your energy and joy? What I find amazing about this message is that I am writing to myself more than anyone. I have been attacked by a Midianite thief for almost two years now. This thief has robbed me of so much of my focus and energy! But yet I praise God that he has not robbed me of my joy, my hope and my trust that God will deliver me.
God, please help us all to love you and serve you with all of our hearts. Please deliver us from the Midianites! Amen.
Book Recommendations:
Ages 6-9 – Teddy’s Button Illustrated
Ages 8-11 - Joseph’s Shield and King Jack audio drama
For 12 and up - Sir Knight of the Splendid Way book/audio; Ishmael and Self Raised
