Doing as I See Fit

Scripture: So after he returned the silver to his mother, she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to make the idol. And it was put in Micah’s house. Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest. In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. Judges 17:4-6

Observation: After a few hundred years, Israel is clearly devolving. The statement that in those days Israel had no king, and everyone did as they saw fit, will be repeated several times. This statement refers back to the idea of Israel being a nation of priests, with each individual charged with being a faithful believer in the Lord and obeying the commands. They have reached a point where individuals have actively abandoned the commands. In this case, a man named Micah builds his own shrine, his own gods, his own idols, and installs his own worship system.

Micah is one of many who have turned far away from the Lord. They have done this for many reasons, but it likely comes down to a lack of humility ... the decision that they don't need to understand God, learn his teaching, and obey his commands. They can do as they desire. There is no leader to correct them, and they don't turn to God for instruction.

Application: After a terrible day yesterday, I don't know where to turn for life instructions. I seek God's direction, but struggle to hear it. I am terribly alone. Does my pride continue to prevent my supplication to God's teaching? That is probably the case.

I am cut so low, and have had my "life" taken from me. This is a good thing, as it should create a clean slate for my future. I don't want to do my own thing - to do as I see fit. I want to do whatever God wants me to do.

Prayer: Lord, please give me your word and direction. I seek only your way and your will. Amen.