Not all sources of support are reliable.
On Egypt? He was in a pickle. After fourteen years of being the boss, someone else was vying for his job. Why this fly in the ointment? Profit was good, but now this Johnny come lately wanted to take what he had worked so diligently to build. He even tried to buy the guy off. Even offered him a promotion. He wasn’t interested. He tried to maintain his sense of confidence and control, but he could feel his enemy snipping at his heels. An enemy who continually bombarded him with reminders that his downfall was imminent.
Sounds like a modern day dilemma, but it was actually an ancient story of the conflict between King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian king who wanted his land. The story does, however, provide a current warning to consider carefully what I lean on.
Any thing or person I lean on is capable of disappointing me. I can choose addictions or emotional states such as anger in an attempt to get by or get over. The addiction’s relief is only temporary, and unhealthy emotional states will destroy me emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Yet there are some things and people that can be trustworthy. Christian friends are essential. They see things from a spiritual perspective and can give wise advice. When facing challenging decisions, my family can be a source of guidance. They have my best interests at heart. Teens and young adults can and should approach their parents with concerns. Spiritual leaders and counselors also offer a good avenue of advice.
Above all else, however, I can and must lean on God. Through his Word and prayer, he will direct me to the right choices and will give me peace even in tumultuous situations. He will never steer me wrong, and he is the only one who will never disappoint me.
Who or what are you leaning on for strength and guidance?
Prayer: Eternal God, we come to You for guidance where difficult decisions are concerned and for strength when life’s roads are rough.
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Your post reminded me of that old hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." You are a neighbor at Sunday Stillness
ReplyDeleteHave sung it many times Hazel. Thanks.
DeleteI think it is good to look for guidance from others, but in the end you have to go back and ask the source if it is wise counsel or not.
ReplyDeleteThanks Heidi for reading.
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