“Where no counsel is, the
people fall: but
in the multitude of
counselors there is safety.” Prv.11:14
“Without counsel purposes
are disappointed: but
in the multitude of
counselors they are established.” Prv.15:22
Hasty decision-making and overexposure to worldly
advice and can lead one astray. “Cease listening to discipline, and you will stray from the
words of knowledge.” Pv 19:27
(Knowledge: da’ath means
discernment, understanding, wisdom)
Do you know anyone wrestling with this right now? Perhaps your “boat is rocking” and you,
or a loved one, is feeling antsy in decision-making? May we learn to draw our
security from the great stabilizers: Jesus, His Word, His Spirit in us, and His
counsel through God-honoring counselors.
His discernment (or the lack of it) can make the difference between
success and failure, victory and defeat.
“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” declares the Lord.
“You execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My
Spirit.” Is 30:1
“Be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise.” Eph 5:15
(Walk: peripateo means
to regulate one’s life; Wise: sophos
means
forming the best plans and using the best means for their
execution.)
When we choose to follow our own
independent way, are taking the hard way.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but
in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
Prv.11:14
“The rebellious dwell in a parched land.” Ps 68:6b
(2 biblical examples from Moses and
King Josiah of Judah: In Ex 2:11-14, Moses, acted in haste and made a
serious blunder, which in turn caused his reputation to be discredited and
forced him to flee his home in Egypt. And in 2 Chr 35:22-24a, against
God’s wishes, King Josiah insisted fighting a battle which in turn cost his
life.)
This said, there are times when the Lord prompts
us to act quickly.
(2 biblical examples from Abram and
Paul: In Gen. 12:1 God tells Abram to without delay, leave his native country
with his family and go to the land God would show him.
And in Acts 22:17-18 God
prompts Paul to quickly flee Jerusalem.)
Regardless of “haste or no haste”, what
matters to God is our submission to His promptings. (Versus following the path of our
impulses)
Obedience and submission lead to
His absolute best for us. (And
“best” sometimes comes in the form of inner forte and divine insight!)
May God
richly bless us as we follow His lead this week.
Much love
and hugs,
Shaun and
Betsy
