Neville Turley

“What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.” Galatians 5:16 (GNT)

Some people are never satisfied with what they have. They always crave something more or something different. 

Amaziah was 25 when he became King of Judah in 800BC. He conquered Edom slaughtering 10 000 Edomite soldiers in battle. Emboldened by his success he then challenged Jeoash, King of Israel to war.

King Jeoash replied with a parable (2 Kings 14: 8-10). A thorn bush sent a message to a cedar. Give your daughter in marriage to my son. A wild animal passed by and trampled the thorn bush down.

Then he gave Amaziah some sound advice, “You have defeated the Edomites and you are filled with pride. Be satisfied with your fame and stay at home. Why stir up trouble that will only bring disaster on you and your people?”

Maybe Amaziah felt grossly insulted by King Jeoash referring to him as a thorn bush and himself as a cedar. Instead of heeding the advice he rashly took up arms against Israel.  Jeoash retaliated and conquered Amaziah’s army, then he invaded Jerusalem and pillaged the city taking many hostages, all the temple equipment and the palace treasures.

How Amaziah must have regretted his rash decision to lead Judah into war. It had disastrous consequences not only for himself but also for his people.

We also make rash decisions. We should never forget our decisions impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us.

Fortunately Christians do not have to do anything in haste; our Lord has not left us to cope on our own. We have the Holy Spirit to direct our lives and one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience. (Galatians 5:22-23)

When faced with decisions that call for action we need first to seek the will of God and patiently wait on his guidance.  He who holds you in his keeping will show you the way.

Prayer: Almighty God keep us ever mindful of the fact that we are never alone.  You are always present to direct our path forward.  Amen