In My Own Eyes
In those days, there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6
This statement from Judges, I believe, doesn’t infer that they needed an earthly king to lead them down the right path. Rather that they rejected the Lord and didn’t consider Him as their King. They lived as if God didn’t exist and did what they thought was right in their own eyes. The results were always disastrous.
God’s intent for Israel was always that He would be their King.
The decline of Israel, as seen throughout the book of Judges, continues into the period of Samuel, as seen in 1 Samuel. The people fell head-long into the calamity and consequences of their selfish decisions. Nevertheless, they didn’t seek God ns instead determined in their own hearts and minds that they needed an earthly king. Yes, that’s the answer, they surmised, ‘we need a king just like the other nations.’
Now appoint a king for us (the people pleaded to Samuel) to judge us like all the nations. I Samuel 8:5. This didn’t seem right to Samuel, so Samuel prayed to the Lord for guidance. (Seems he was the only one in Israel seeking the Lord).
The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them. I Samuel 8:7
Do I Seek God?
Over the years, I have made some bone-headed decisions of various magnitude; some big and some small. Bad decisions bring difficult, challenging, and sometimes, painful consequences. Fortunately, the powerful arm of God’s grace and sovereignty fashions these consequences after the purposes of His will. Nevertheless, before God brings me back to the ‘straight path,’ I often suffer the consequences of my ‘off-road’ adventures. How do I stay on the straight path and out of the ditch?
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6
Off-road adventures sound fun for the thrill-seeking souls among us, but when it comes to life decisions, staying on God’s straight path should be our aspiration.
Why do some Christians live their lives without serious consideration of God within their thoughts throughout the day?
Our minds are working furiously all day — balancing decisions, processing challenges, considering actions! Most often, let’s be honest, we live within our minds, making our own decisions. We could say, we tend to dwell within ourselves; within our own minds! This is not good.
When we dwell within our own mind throughout the day, it is like Israel rejecting God as their king and demanding their own earthly king. This is not how God intended us to live. How often do you whisper a prayer to God as you are going through your day? Not much? Let’s change this bad habit.
Instead, we are to dwell within God, not ourselves!!!
The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (because of this) Israel dwells in security. Deuteronomy 33:27-28
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. I Chronicles 16:11
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. I Chronicles 22:19
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalms 9:10
The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. Psalms 14:2
O my God, my soul is in despair within me; therefore, I remember You… Psalms 42:6
Our Father NEVER stops thinking of us. NEVER! Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, and (many) Your thoughts toward us; there is none to compare with You, Psalms 40:5
Father, we confess absentmindedness. You are too often absent from our thoughts. We confess we do not dwell within You and commune with You throughout the day as we should. Change our hearts and consequently, our minds. May we renew our minds in Your Word and dwell in Your presence throughout the day – that we might stay on the ‘straight path’ You have for us. Amen!