The Bible in a MonthSample

Day 6: Cycles, Courage, and an Unlikely Love Story

Reading: Joshua 7–24, Judges 1–21, Ruth 1–4

After Jericho falls, it seems like the Israelites are on a roll. But by chapter 7, reality sets in: obedience still matters. A man named Achan secretly takes what God said to leave behind, and that private sin leads to public defeat. It’s a sobering reminder that what happens in your tent doesn’t stay in your tent when you’re part of a community. But once sin is addressed, the mission resumes. City by city, promise by promise, Joshua leads the people into their inheritance.

Joshua divides the land, sets up cities of refuge, and makes sure every tribe knows their territory. And before his death, he leaves them with one powerful choice: “Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”The baton has been passed. The land has been claimed. The people finally have a place.

But it doesn’t take long for the story to spiral.

Enter the book of Judges. It’s one of the most frustrating, raw, and at times violent parts of the Bible. And yet, it’s honest. Israel, now living in the land, slowly forgets the God who brought them there. They start chasing the gods of the surrounding nations, and the cycle begins: rebellion, oppression, crying out, rescue… repeat. Over and over again. It’s spiritual whiplash.

God raises up judges, military leaders, and deliverers like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. Some are courageous. Some are reluctant. Some are deeply flawed. And yet, God works through all of them. Not because they’re perfect, but because He’s committed. Even when His people are unfaithful, He keeps coming back. The tagline of Judges could easily be: “And everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”It’s chaos. And still, grace shows up.

Which makes the book of Ruth feel like a deep breath of fresh air.

Right in the middle of political unrest and personal tragedy, we zoom in on one small family navigating famine, grief, and loss. Naomi buries her husband and both sons. Her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, chooses to stay with her, saying, “Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. It’s not a strategy. It’s loyalty. It’s love.

Ruth ends up gleaning in a field owned by Boaz, a man of character and compassion. Through kindness, risk, and a well-timed proposal at the threshing floor (long story), Ruth and Boaz marry. They have a son named Obed. Obed becomes the grandfather of King David. A foreign widow becomes part of the family line of Jesus.

What does this section reveal about the story of God? That even when His people are in cycles of chaos, God doesn’t walk away. He works in war zones and in wheat fields. He partners with unlikely heroes and redeems painful detours. He sees the big picture, but He also sees the one person who thinks no one is watching.

Takeaway: If your life feels stuck in a cycle, God’s not done with you. He’s the God of comebacks, courage, and redemption—and He loves writing world-changing stories through people who feel like they’re just surviving the day. Keep going. Ruth didn’t know her legacy would reach a King. Neither do you.