Soul Subtleties

“And Jeroboam said in his heart…”

1 Kings 12:26

Those inner decisions we hardly know we’re making, that direct, affect and form our very self, our souls… as imposters they can sneakily make themselves at home if we don’t oppose them.

Our thoughts can be subconsciously, subtly diverted if we are not aware of what’s going on in there.

What are you saying in your heart? Have you stopped to notice?

After Solomon’s son, Rehoboam tried to take the throne, the kingdom was divided due to Solomon’s rebellion (1 Kings 11:30). Jeroboam, formerly a servant of Solomon in charge of the whole labor force, was given the northern tribes. He was worried that the Israelites would turn back to God if they continued going to worship in Jerusalem and that his life would then be in danger.  He had to find a way to keep them from going back.  That’s when he

“…said in his heart…” 

What was going on in his heart was a visceral, self-protective, short-sighted plot to steer the people of God away from God, setting up plastic substitutes to take the place of Almighty God.  A heinous decision that sunk him deeper into rebellion and foolishness keeping the people away from what was best for them, eventually leading to their demise.

Jeroboam said in his heart,

“Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David.  If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return …. then they will kill me” 1 Kings 12:27

The epitome of self-focus when he was supposed to be leading God’s people.

If we don’t recognize our impostering thoughts and take them another direction, we’re on a slippery slope. That’s why so often in Scripture we are urged to “incline your hearts”, “listen”, “direct your heart”, “set your mind”, “renew your mind”, “examine yourselves”.

I noticed a stealth decision being made in the recesses of my heart; one of self-disdain, of giving in to lesser things; a lure to a belief that letting go of engagement with God would be freeing.  When I came to and stared it in the eye, I began to see it for what it was, called on God and took up my Sword.

I had just listened to Ruth H Barton’s lent devotional and she encouraged a prayer to God:

“Do something essential in me.”

It helped me turn my head to discern the attempt to woo my soul to complacency. The attempt was caught, snatched and sent away with that prayer.

Are you stopping long enough to notice what you are saying in your heart?

It could take you in a whole new freeing direction.