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“Some time later when King Ahasuerus’s rage had cooled down, he remembered Vashti, what she had done and what was decided against her.” Esther 2:1 (HCSB)

It’s party time and King Ahasuerus was having quite a royal one! Nothing was held back – the best of everything. And if that wasn’t enough – the royal wine flowed freely – no restraint in place. In this pivotal party mode, the King makes a rash and questionable decision. He summons Queen Vashti so he can show off her beauty to his male guests. Now that is ego at its height. Long story short – she refuses and he removes her as Queen. The one who had it all and didn’t need to impress allowed his beautiful Queen to be dethroned at the advice of poor counselors and in a moment of drunken rage. We never hear anymore about Queen Vashti -she’s simply gone and then the King when he is sober realizes what he has done, but his decision can’t be reversed.

Haven’t we all been tempted to make unwise choices in the midst of anger, hurt, woundedness, bitterness, impatience and pride? I know I certainly have. And listening to the wrong advice in those moments can definitely derail us. Ahasuerus’ counselors were concerned that Vashti’s unwillingness to comply with the king’s request would make a statement to other women who would then disrespect their husbands. Sounds like they had their own best interest at stake. (Note to self – you can’t demand respect or honor – it is earned.) Giving the king sound advice and helping him make the right decision wasn’t on the table.

How many times have we made a rash decision to defend our point of view or in response to a trigger from our current or past fears and it didn’t work well? Not all decisions can be reversed – words spoken leave our mouths and can’t be retracted. Careless actions can result in devastating circumstances with a high price tag. So what’s the take away – let’s not allow our emotions, fears or frustrations to win over God’s wisdom. Let’s make sure our closest circle, the one’s we lock arms with, are seeking God’s agenda and not their own. And if we are tempted to give into a flood of emotions….let’s pause, pray, call a friend and choose a better way that will serve us better when we cool down.

“Father, You are our wisdom, our daily guide…we can trust You to lead us in the right direction.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life