Finding Fellowship in the Midst of Hopelessness
I don't watch much TV, but when I do, it's either a mindless Christmas movie or a suspenseful crime drama. Recently, while watching a crime show, I heard the word "marauder" for the first time. I knew enough from the characters' words and the unfolding plot to understand the meaning. But imagine my surprise when this same word appeared in my Bible reading a few days later:
Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, marauders from Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east would attack Israel… -Judges 6:3 NLT
I was no longer satisfied with relying on context clues or plot development; I wanted to know the exact definition:
“A person who goes from place to place looking for people to kill or things to steal or destroy.”
If you read that and say “whoa,” so did I. If that definition sounds familiar, it should:
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. -John 10:10 NLT
In Judges 6 we read that the Midianites (some of the marauders) were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains and caves. And when the Israelites planted their crops, these same Midianites would destroy them. They left the Israelites with nothing to eat and took all their livestock. Because of them, the Israelites were reduced to starvation and their land stripped bare.
Times were tough. Hearts were hopeless.
This is when we first meet Gideon. Given the situation with the marauders, it’s no surprise that when we’re introduced to him, he was threshing wheat at the bottom of the winepress in order to keep the grain hidden. It is then that the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”
Gideon asked, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?”
Of course, we have the benefit of reading the book of Judges and understanding the time period. But if you’re like me, in the midst of my dark and difficult days, the question I’m tempted to ask is similar to Gideon’s: “Why is this happening?” And when my heart feels most hopeless, I wonder, “Lord, are you with me?”
We know that God's thoughts and ways are beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and He is able to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). This means that even in our darkest moments, when it seems the enemy has secured a victory, God still has a plan and is actively working. This truth applies to both Gideon and to us.
I’m reminded of what David said in Psalm 23:
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. -Psalm 23:5a NIV
In the Bible, the table symbolizes fellowship, hospitality, and abundance – concepts that echo the words of Jesus when He spoke of His purpose to give us a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10).
Just as Gideon was assured of the Lord’s presence while surrounded by his enemies, we too can rest in the assurance of His presence – and His fellowship – whether we’re overwhelmed by darkness or overcome by hopelessness. These marauders have nothing on our Messiah. In their presence, He is present. Despite their intent to steal, His is to give. While they seek to destroy, He promises to satisfy. Yes, His table is prepared for you and for me.
In the midst of our hopelessness, He offers us His fellowship. Whatever “marauder" you face today, remember this: In your trials, you’re invited to His table – and at His table, you’ll find everything you need.
With love in Christ,
Cara Blondo
We wish to see Jesus –John 12:21