We need to be seeking Godly advice throughout our lives, especially when we have come to the end of ourselves. When we are children, we learn to ask for help because we don’t know. Children raise their hands in a classroom or bring their questions to an adult. They are curious, and they need help from others to learn things.
As we grow older and more independent, we become less likely to ask for help because we don’t want to appear weak or uninformed. Scripture illustrates how humbling ourselves can change our entire direction in life. Proverbs 12:15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. [1]
Sometimes, it is hard to admit we need help until we become overwhelmed. Perhaps you have come to the end of yourself with the circumstances in your life and are unsure what to do. Feeling overwhelmed at times during life is not unusual, and God can use these times to awaken us to our need for Him.
Hezekiah is Desperate for the Lord’s Advice.
In times of desperation, we are often more open to listening to advice from others. When Hezekiah was king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, Assyria, the superpower of the day, threatened Jerusalem. From a military perspective, King Hezekiah knew that only God could help him. When King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes. Soon after that, he put on burlap and went into the Temple of the Lord.
2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, the palace administrator, Shebna the court secretary, and the leading priests, all dressed in burlap, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.[2] Hezekiah’s relationship with the Lord led the king to seek out Isaiah, the prophet. In God’s grace, He wants to guide us each day, no matter how small or large our problems are.
Biblical Decision Making
We see the idea of seeking counsel throughout Scripture. No one should make significant decisions without receiving godly guidance. Here are two Bible verses that show the value of wise counsel.
- Proverbs 15:22: Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. [3]
- Proverbs 1:5:Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.[4]
Wise counsel means turning over our problems to the Lord, who knows the best path for our life. Our pride is the greatest enemy of seeking the Lord’s counsel, but our greatest asset is humbling ourselves before Him. Proverbs 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. [5]
To learn more about seeking Godly advice, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hezekiah-assyrians
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
.