Many times God's people were disloyal. They often even worshiped other gods. But when they repented and turned back to Him, God was always there for them, with compassion and grace, waiting to take them back.

It's amazing how many times Israel turned against God when He had done so much for them. Think about it.

God delivered the children of Israel out of slavery through miraculous signs and wonders. While terrible plagues came on Egypt because they defied God, He loaded His people down with silver and gold, healed all who were sick and brought them out without even one feeble one among their tribes (Ps. 105:37). He parted the Red Sea and supernaturally gave them the Ten Commandments.

After all that, you'd think Israel would at least do what God said, wouldn't you? But they still wouldn't obey. God looked at them and said:

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
(Deut. 5:29)

That scripture reveals God's heart. He knows that the fear and reverence of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If a person doesn't have the fear of God, he won't ever walk in God's wisdom. He will always think he knows better, or that the world knows better—or that somebody knows better than God does.

When you walk in the fear and reverence of God, you have a heart to hear and do. You honor Him, whether that's what you want for your life or not, whether you agree with what He says or not.

When God says it, you do it—simply because you reverence Him. When you honor God like that, He promises that it will be well with you and your children forever!