Judges 3: Tough Love

Tough love. That’s what I hear when I read this passage. The kind of love that doesn’t ignore our mess-ups but uses consequences to get our attention. Not to punish—but to restore.

“Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-Rishathaim… When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer…” (Judges 3:8–9)

The Israelites had wandered (again), and God allowed them to feel the weight of their choices.

But the moment they cried out? He responded with mercy. He raised up a deliverer.

I must never forget, my natural tendency is to drift. Self reliance is my go to. Depending on

myself when things feel “okay" is very normal. This passage reminds me that no matter how good life seems, I need the Bread of Life, daily. I don't need it when things are bad—but always. Every. Single. Day.

When I try to do it on my own, I end up hungry. Wandering. The Lord, He is my Deliverer. Still. Again and again.

Lord, thank You that Your discipline isn’t rejection—it’s redirection. It is like a you are waving a white flag to get my attention-- stay close daughter.