1 Kings_22
Scripture1 Kings 22:43 In everything he followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The high places, however, were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.ObservationAhab, king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, faced a huge battle against the Arameans. King Ahab was killed.UnderstandingYikes! This convicted me so much! I feel like I’m doing pretty good right now. I’m doing my soul journal everyday, taking a biblical studies class, praying, doing good unto others… you know… I have the Christian thing pretty down...lolBut after reading this scripture I realize there may be some high places with idols that I just never bothered to tear down. I mean, does it really need to be brought down? What if I just don’t go over there very often?I mean, when I am in trouble, sometimes food is the only thing that can save me. (really...)Or when I am really upset with my family...or my husband... red red wine stay close to me…it's just one glass
While these things may not be wrong to enjoy I have to ask myself what is the intent of my heart when partaking of these things? Is it because I feel like God cannot comfort me or help me? He cannot fill my void or counsel me to reconcile my relationships?
When we feel pain, do we look to earthly things to satisfy?Imagine putting your chocolate cake or video games on a pedestal and you brought it gifts. You spoke to it and told it your problems or you stared lovingly at it. So weird…ApplicationSo what are your idols? What do you give your affections to?
Even though we may not visit them often... the idols need to come down.
Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24. See if there is any offensive way in me, an lead me in the way everlasting.
What are the reasons we keep idols around except that we are not fully relying on God.
Lamentations 3:22 ...fro His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! 24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him." 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
Father forgive us for not tearing all the idols down. Forgive us for running to something else for help, for fulfillment, for comfort… Holy Spirit search our hearts and reveal to us anything that needs to submit itself to the lordship of Jesus Christ in our life. Empower us to follow hard after you, in Jesus name, Amen. Deborah Lee