“The king moreover must not acquire great numbers of horses, for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them for the Lord has told you. “You are not to go back that way again.” Deuteronomy 17:16 (NIV)
Seemed so gradual this pile that grew. Never intended to accumulate so much. The clutter I so desperately wanted in one breath is now headed out the door. It’s the clearing out of all the “stuff” we own that unveils our desire for more. Note to self: More is never satisfied.
Backtrack to the Israelites enjoying a season of peace and we find King Solomon sliding into “more.” Wisdom and discernment clothed Solomon unlike any other man on the earth. His humble request pleased God and the blessings overflowed. Wealth and riches were Solomon’s for the taking and he took, took and took. Somewhere along the way, the gradual thirst for more drowned out the voice of wisdom deep in his soul. God’s authority decreased as Solomon’s quest for more increased. And that desire to accumulate lead him to totally disregard God’s instructions to his people. Returning to Egypt wasn’t an option, yet Solomon aligned himself and his people with the very ones they were to avoid (I Kings 10:26-29).
Easy to see the mistakes of another; harder to grasp when it’s us maneuvering for more. We excuse away our discontent, gradually sliding further and further away from God’s word. And accumulating isn’t regulated to things. Wonder if we’ve ever accumulated too many friends that pull us away from God’s truths? Wonder if we’ve ever accumulated wounded hearts spilling over with bitterness, anger and unforgiveness? Perhaps we’ve piled up a full plate of doing so we never have time to reflect.
Starts ever so innocently this stuff we cherish more than the One who blessed us, created us and positioned us for His best. Going back to places we loved rather than pressing forward with where He desires us to be will never serve us well. How many Egypts have we re-visited and gotten entangled with instead of heeding God’s warnings.
Despite our striving, seeking and accumulating, God longs for us to be truly satisfied in Him. Everything else fades in the presence of our Holy God. Open hands leave room for His filling. Wisdom served Solomon well when he applied it – the same is true for us. Clothed in God’s wisdom and discernment, we will realize the beauty of true contentment.
“Father there is so much stuff that fills our lives. Give us the ability to discern what is best, heed Your warnings and obey Your truths.”
For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life
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