47Because you did not serve the LORD your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity,
Threats of punishment and promises of reward are not enough to bring obedience. This verse stands in the middle of this long chapter of blessings and curses, blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The Lord lays out these very clear promises and as I read the negative results of disobedience I don’t know why anyone would disobey. But if being righteous before God was based on our ability to live right, then we would all fail. We don’t have the ability in ourselves to please God. But as I read this verse something jumped out at me. We as a country have lived in prosperity for years, and yet we turned our backs on the Lord. We failed to serve Him joyfully and gladly. Instead, we turned to ever increasing levels of perversity. We as a society now condone every kind of objectionable behavior. We glorify adultery and casual sex by paying to go see it in the movies. No wonder the Lord seems to be withdrawing His hand from our nation. The Lord will find another people to send into the rest of the world with His message of hope. We are beginning to fail. It is time for us to repent as individuals, and as a nation, and humble ourselves before the Lord. It may not be too late for us.
The Arnold Journey 