April showers bring May flowers. You probably sang that little rhyme more times than you can count as a child. Let’s apply that little rhyme to your spiritual life.

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When it rains in your life, you seek after God because you need His help. But what about when life is sunny and the flowers are growing all around you? If you’re like me, when things are going well, your focus slips. Then the next trial comes around and you cry out to God.

The Israelites lived this cycle over and over again. You’ll see it recorded in the stories of Judges and in the reigns of the kings. It’s generally referred to as the cycle of apostasy:

1. Israel serves God.
2. Israel falls into idolatry and sin.
3. Israel is enslaved by neighboring people.
4. Israel cries out to God for deliverance.
5. God raises up a judge.
6. Israel is delivered.
7. Israel serves God.
8. And the cycle begins again.

Of course God wants to be there for us when times are tough, but He also wants to be our friend in the good times.

There are a few things that you can do to break out of the cycle of apostasy.

• Remember that God is in control in both the bad and the good times of our lives.
• Praise God no matter what circumstance you’re in.
• Be consistent with prayer and Bible reading to build a solid relationship with God.
• Don’t allow yourself to become complacent when times are good.

Have you found yourself in the cycle of apostasy? What step are you going to take today to break out of the cycle of apostasy?