Sadly, there is always another “then” with the people of God. Despite all that God does for them, inevitably they choose to turn their backs on Him to pursue their own sinful ways. Throughout history, God’s people have followed an identical pattern. They always eventually departed from Him. God then brought judgment upon them. In response, the people finally cried out in repentance for their sin. In response God delivered them and blessed them once more. But invariably there was always another “then.” And the cycle repeated itself.
Imagine how far you would be in your Christian life today if there were no more “thens” in your life. Suppose you had not been distracted or sidetracked from God’s will, but had, instead, remained relentlessly loyal to God. Just imagine.
But we, like the Israelites of old, have a troubling tendency of being disloyal to our God, despite His steadfast love toward us. Fiercely guard your heart. Strive to prevent any more departures, even momentarily, from your Lord.