Judges 10  There were several judges that arose and judged Israel for a number of years after Abimelech, but we are not given any details of those years.  Verse 6 tells us that after this time the people of Israel went back to doing evil, worshiping many false gods.  The Lord sent the Philistines and the Ammonites to overtake Israel.  For 18 years Israel was "afflicted and crushed". 

When they finally woke up and cried out to the Lord, they received this answer, "Did I not deliver you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the sons of Ammon, and the Philistines? Also, when the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites, oppressed you, you cried out to Me and I delivered you for their hands. Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods; therefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress." ( v11-14)

It is at this point that the Israelites finally realize their mistake - they had chosen gods that could not save.
They had forsaken the only True God and chosen worthless idols.  They acknowledged their sin and threw themselves into God's hands.  It was then that He "became troubled by Israel's misery." 

What worthless choices have we made?  What or who have we chosen to trust in?  Have we put our faith in people or things that cannot save us?

Or like Peter, do we say, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God." ( John 6:68-69)

We need to make that choice and continue to abide in the Truth. We must not allow sin to draw us away from abiding, persevering faith in Jesus Christ.   The circumstances of our world today may feel like we are being "afflicted and crushed" just as Israel was.  We need to wake up and cry out to our Lord, turn away from any worthless gods, and seek Him only.

Father in Heaven,  Perfect, Holy, and Infinite God;  You are God in heaven and on earth and there is no other!  We choose to worship You in spirit and in Truth, according to Your Word.  We know that only You can save us.  Only You have the Words of life.  Father, we cry out to You for mercy in this time of trouble.  We seek Your deliverance from those who want to do evil in our country.  Give us boldness to stand firm, resisting evil.  Strengthen us with Your strength, for we are weak and You alone are strong. Let Your Light shine and Your Spirit fill us with the glory of Your grace.  You have revealed Yourself to us through Your Word.  Help us to cling to You and trust in You alone...by the grace and power of the name of our  Lord Jesus Christ we pray. amen.