SEEKING WISE COUNSEL!

Friday, April 17, 2020

SEEKING WISE COUNSEL!

Prov 11:14

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Prov 15:22

22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Prov 24:10

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Prov 19:21

21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

           Solomon thought highly of wisdom but felt that he had none! He sought out the advice and counsel of others, discovered a consensus, and prayed hard regarding important issues.

           Our churches are empty, but our hearts are full because the real church, the people, are fully functioning in their faith. The prayer warriors cease not to pray. The generous have not stopped giving and the members are ministering to one another. Mega churches have become pockets of ten or less. We are more like the early church than any of us can remember. It is uncomfortable but it is probably a good thing.

           Easter saw no parades, no new clothes or hats, and candy sat on the store shelves to be deeply discounted. What remained was the jubilation of resurrection celebrated alone or with family. Shouts of “He’s alive” heard few responses, but across the land hearts did respond with “He is risen indeed!” Corporate worship, which actually required no personal faith, has become very personal once again and that is a good thing.

           We have been given advice that feels like a lie, but we look around at so many who are following this advice and feel foolish for doubting. We fear that there is more to the story than we are being told, but our counsellors are as baffled as we are. We are restless and impatient. We need God’s clarity. Let us pray, with Solomon, for God’s counsel.

1 Kings 3:8-9

8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

All wise Heavenly Father, your sheep look to your shepherds and your shepherds look to you. Give us clarity and vision in these days of confusion. Guard your flock. In Jesus’ name. AMEN