Wise Advice

Among the factors that can cause a lack of rest in our lives are bad decisions we make. Finding our way back from unrest caused by our own poor decisions is difficult because it requires at least two things: humility to admit an error in judgment and a willingness to pivot in a new direction.

After King Solomon’s death, the people of Israel found themselves at a leadership crossroads. Throughout the reigns of David and Solomon, Israel grew in stature and power along with experiencing God’s blessing over the people. It was a glorious time in the history of God’s chosen people with Jerusalem being established as the center of power and the temple being built which served as a spiritual focal point.

However, a leadership vacuum was created when two men vied for the role of king – Jeroboam and Rehoboam. In the custom of the time, Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, was entitled to assume the leadership role. Jeroboam, a trusted administrator on Solomon’s staff, sought to usurp the throne by gathering a group of men to fight on his behalf and in 1 Kings 12 we read of the showdown.

Rehoboam launched his reign by asking for advice from his father’s closest confidants along with a group of his young friends. The guidance recommended by the two sides was diametrically opposite, with the elders advising Rehoboam to lighten the load on the people while the young men pushed for him to double down, making it heavier than what Solomon had demanded. It was a classic example of the Machiavellian dilemma – is it better to be feared than loved? As you may know, Rehoboam chose to follow his friends’ recommendations which ultimately divided the kingdom, launching a civil war that would last many years.

In hindsight, by reading through the story recorded in 1 Kings, it is clear that Rehoboam made a bad decision and lived with the disastrous consequences. It is unlikely that you or I have made choices with quite such destructive outcomes, but how often do we choose our own way and then wonder why our lives are painful? We want to experience the rest that Christ offers but our lives seem to move from one crisis to another.

It is exactly at those moments that we must take a step back and ask God to reveal wrong choices we have made that may have led to the turmoil we’re experiencing. To be sure, sometimes the heartache has nothing to do with our decisions because Scripture is clear that God will send trouble our way to help us grow in our faith or test us. Read James 1 to gain further insight into this truth. However, too often our troubles stem from our own harmful actions or choices, something that could be avoided.

God, give me the courage to admit when I have made errors in judgment. I know that a life of contentment and joy is found in your embrace which provides the rest I long for. Draw me to your heart whenever I stray and thank you that you will always accept me back.

Throughout this day: Look back at your life and do an honest assessment of when you’ve experienced the most turmoil. Try to identify any choices you made at those times that may have contributed to your troubles and commit to following God’s way more closely in the future.