Stuck in a cycle: What the Book of Judges teaches us about ourselves and God

Lately, I’ve been walking through the book of Judges in the Old Testament—and let me tell you, it’s intense.

It’s the story of a society spiraling. A nation on edge. People doing whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Chaos ruled the day, and justice was hard to find. And at the center of it all—an angry God. Rightfully angry. Not because He’s moody or distant, but because His people kept turning their backs on Him after all He had done for them.

Israel was stuck in a cycle—one that sounds a little too familiar:

Rebel. Repent. Repeat.

Even though God raised up judges—leaders filled with His Spirit to guide, protect, and rescue—Israel couldn’t stay faithful. They constantly traded in God’s goodness for temporary pleasures and false gods. The result? Pain. Defeat. Distress.

Then I came across this powerful passage:

“Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress. Then the Lord raised up judges to rescue the Israelites from their attackers. Yet Israel did not listen to the judges but prostituted themselves by worshiping other gods. How quickly they turned away from the path of their ancestors, who had walked in obedience to the Lord’s commands… Whenever the Lord raised up a judge… He was with that judge and rescued the people… For the Lord took pity on His people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering… But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways… They went after other gods… and refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.”

—Judges 2:15–19 (NLT)

This hit me hard.

• Why couldn’t they learn?

• Why can’t we?

• How often do we run in circles—promising to do better, only to fall right back into old habits?

Here’s what I’m learning:

• We need a rescue. And God gave us the ultimate Deliverer—Jesus. The perfect Judge. The only One who can break the cycle.

• God once fought against His people. That line stunned me. I don’t ever want to be in opposition to God. I want to walk with Him, not against Him.

• We chase after achievements, titles, and self-made dreams, thinking they’ll satisfy. But true peace and purpose only come from walking with the Lord.

• God used flawed judges to carry out His will. And He still uses broken people today. He can use you and me.

• Even when we fail, God doesn’t give up. He sees our mess and still writes a message. He sees our ruins and still builds a masterpiece.

The book of Judges reminds me that grace isn’t just for the polished—it’s for the repeat offenders who fall, cry out, and still dare to believe that God can make something beautiful out of the mess.

Let’s stop repeating the cycle and start surrendering to the One who breaks it.

This blog was written by me and ChatGPT