May 30, 2019
In 2 Samuel 15, David was running from his own son, Absalom. He was retreating from his city where he was king into the wilderness. Someone informed him that one of his trusted counselors, Ahithophel, had defected to Absalom. David uttered a simple request to the Lord: "O Lord, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness" (verse 31).
God answered that prayer. When Absalom comes into the city, here is what his counselor said:
20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your advice. What shall we do?”
21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house; then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself odious to your father. The hands of all who are with you will also be strengthened.”
22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
This is typical, godless, immature counsel. "Let's go party and have sex!" It was not like this prophet, for he had been used of God in David's day. But God was answering David's prayer. It was utter foolishness. David knew that if Absalom got wrong counsel, it would thwart his foolish attempts to rule the nation, which it ultimately did. David understood that everything hinged upon who surrounded you.
OUR COUNSELORS
... determine so much of our lives. How many people have gotten in trouble because they accepted a foolish challenge from a supposed friend? Listened to counsel that was directly opposed to the will of God? Missed the mark on a dare? For instance, I have seen many people make foolish choices in their marriages—often resulting in an unbiblical divorce—because they listened to another person who had done the same. Misery loves company.
SURROUND YOURSELF
... with godly counselors. I have had many great counselors in my life for many years. My dad and brothers, all pastors and wise men, have helped me. I have three pastor friends that I live in weekly accountability with that have been my closest advisors for years. And now, my own sons and sons-in-law are coming to the point where I am not only counseling them, but they are wisely encouraging and helping me.
The glory is all to God for any good in my life, but thanksgiving goes deeply from my heart to these men who have been used of God to help me stay on the right path.
No one should be so proud that they think they don't need the help of godly counselors.
Do you have some immature, ungodly counselors in your life? Then graciously move away from them. Ask God to give you some people in your life who will help you stay in the right lane. You may have to pursue an older, wiser friend. They will be blessed by your invitation, and you will be immeasurably helped.
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
