SWHW Bible Reading Plan - Year 2 January 2021Sample

January 7

Top Takeaway from Lauren Diggs:

Have you been in a place of struggle or frustration, and no matter what you do, nothing seems to fix it or make it better? But you just keep exhausting yourself for the results you want?

Have you ever been moving along in life when things are good (marriage, kids, work, etc.) feeling strong and confident like, “I got this!”? Maybe you don’t consciously think it, but your actions show it. 

Yeah, me too. 

But we’re not alone. We find Rehoboam in the same exact spot—life was good. His rule had been established after almost losing it, and he was strong. It was during this time we see that he “abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him” (2 Chronicles 12:1).

Plainly speaking, he got a little too big for his britches. 

We already know this wasn’t the first time he’d walked away from truth. He “abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him” (2 Chronicles 10:8) but he reigned it back in and “listened to the word of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 11:4). 

Rehoboam played this back and forth game for most of his reign, but the bottom line is, “he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 12:14). This led to him and Israel worshipping other idols instead of the One true God and basically being robbed by the Egyptians.  

Listen, it’s really easy to go into auto-pilot. It’s really easy to start doing things in our own strength and live in “I got this” mode. It’s really easy to make decisions we feel are good or best. And whether we want to admit it or not, it’s really easy to find our hearts exactly where Rehoboam’s was—not set on seeking the Lord.  

Sometimes we move ahead in our own strength without even realizing that’s what we’re doing. And sometimes we move ahead in our own strength because we’re just tired of waiting. Either way, repentance is necessary followed by setting our hearts to seek the Lord. 

Our hearts being set to seek the Lord in all things at all times is something that’s done on purpose. It’s intentional. And when it’s not, we start doing things in our own strength. This leads to us making idols of other things in our life—our spouse, kids, work, accomplishments, goals, plans, etc. It also leads to us being robbed of the joy and contentment that only living surrendered to Him brings.

So today, let’s learn from what Rehoboam didn’t do. Examine the areas of your life where you’re in “I got this” mode. Or maybe where you’re frustrated and tired of waiting so you’re running full speed ahead. Step back and set your heart to seek the Lord. Because a life lived in our own strength will never compare to a life lived in surrender to the Sovereignty of God.

God, I know I rush ahead of You sometimes. I know I make choices that I think are best before seeking You for answers. Please forgive me. I desire to have a heart that is set to seek You so open my eyes to recognize the moments when I’m operating from my own strength instead of resting in Your grace. Help me to live a life that is surrendered and pleasing to You. I love You, Lord. Amen.