Each year, I listen to a daily audio Bible podcast—and complete the Bible in one year. This year marks my sixth year through the Bible.

Why don’t I stop?

Every year, I learn new aspects of the Bible because each year, I am in a different place in my life, and the Holy Spirit speaks to me where I am.

The Bible is always fresh! It is always alive!

It is the only book that has a Living Spirit within it.

Each year, when I get to Judges in the Old Testament, I say, “Oh boy!” because I know what is ahead.

Chaos.

Division.

Destruction.

Heartbreak.

Why? The Bible repeatedly tells us that during the time of the Judges—the people did not follow God, and there was no king.

“In those days, Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” (Judges 21:25 NLT)

Sounds like today.

Today truth is what each person believes.

There are no absolutes.

There is no right way.

We each determine what is right and what is wrong—and this can be fluid.

We do what is right in our own eyes.

And we are reaping the fruit of this ill pathway.

Broken families. Broken communities. Crime. Mistrust. Chaos

The Israelites emerged from this time because of the final judge, Samuel, who united them, established just courts, and educated the people in the Torah—the law given to the people by God.

Peace, prosperity, and order are always reestablished in the same way: by following God.

We are more blessed than they. We have the example of God made flesh—coming and living with us—showing us how to live. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us. And we have easy access to God’s Word, which shows us the right way to go—and gives us heartbreaking examples of what happens when we don’t follow Him.

It is never too late for a nation to turn back and follow God, and it is never too late for an individual to do the same.

Follow God.

It is the only path to true, everlasting happiness.