Keeping Steady in a Shaky World

Published: Dec. 16, 2021, midnight

b'We\\u2019d all love to be wise sages, knowing exactly what to do each time a major life decision pops up. However, that kind of wisdom can take time to develop. Time spent in God\\u2019s word and time living through life. But what about the decisions you need to make in a month, next week, or right now? You don\\u2019t always have the time to discern what to do on your own.\\nThe good news is, God loves His children deeply and doesn\\u2019t leave us high and dry when it comes to accessing His wisdom. God has given us great wisdom in His Word, including watching the life and decisions of Jesus as He lived on earth. Definitely look in God\\u2019s Word for yourself, but also don\\u2019t be afraid to ask for help! That\\u2019s where Christian community comes in. You may not have the years and Bible knowledge to make the wisest and most informed decision, but you likely have people in your life who have knowledge and experience that you don\\u2019t! God can speak through these people as they listen to you and to Him.\\nThis happened in the Old Testament with King Rehoboam. He needed to decide how to handle taxes in the kingdom after his father Solomon passed away. Rehoboam asked for some time to decide, and he started in the right direction by consulting his father\\u2019s old advisors about what he should do. They gave him sage advice, telling him to take it easier on the people. Then Rehoboam asked his friends the same question. Now, these friends were around forty, which sounds old, but they were described with similar wording to that of younger boys, so these were not mature friends. (Remember, age doesn\\u2019t automatically grant wisdom.) These friends told the king to be even harsher with taxes. Rehoboam eventually went with the advice of the immature friends, and this foolish decision allowed the kingdom of Israel to fracture in two, with Rehoboam\\u2019s rival, Jeroboam, becoming the king of the other kingdom.\\nWhen you have a big decision to make, don\\u2019t be afraid to ask for help. As you listen to people\\u2019s advice, look for solutions that agree with God\\u2019s Word, and lean on the Holy Spirit (who lives inside Christians) to help you discern what God is calling you to do. \\u2022 Naomi Zylstra\\n\\u2022 What\\u2019s your process when you need to make a big decision? \\n\\u2022 Who are wise people in your life who exemplify the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? \\nLet the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 (NLT)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nIsa.7'