Seeking God In Decision-Making
BRD REFLECTION 2025
2 Chronicles 10:1-19, 11:1-23 and Psalm 86:1-17 (NIV)
(Chua Chi Siong from Discipleship and Nurture Ministry)
READ:
2 Chronicles 10:1-19, 11:1-23 and Psalm 86:1-17 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In 2 Chronicles 10–11, Rehoboam, the newly anointed and inexperienced king of Israel’s united monarchy, listened to the people’s petition to lighten the burdens imposed by King Solomon. While he did the right thing by asking for time to consider their request (v. 5) and did not succumb to the pressure of making a snap decision, he crucially failed to seek God’s counsel. Instead, he consulted both the older officials who had served Solomon and the young men who had grown up with him and now served him. Unfortunately, he chose to follow the harsh counsel of his peers, which ultimately led to the division of the kingdom.
Later, as Rehoboam gathered his troops to reclaim his rule, a man of God was sent to stop him. This time, he heeded the word of the Lord and abandoned his plan.
In Psalm 86, I am struck by how intimately David (the psalmist) knew God. In contrast to Rehoboam, David displayed deep reliance on God. He trusted that God would listen to and answer his prayers (vv. 1, 6, 7), and described Him in a deeply personal and experiential way.
APPLY:
I can relate to Rehoboam, who, as a newly appointed leader, did not want to appear weak and struggled in deciding whom to trust. When faced with difficult decisions, I will learn to take time to seek guidance and consult those with wisdom and experience. Most importantly, I will prioritize seeking counsel from God.
It must have been difficult for Rehoboam to obey God’s command to stop pursuing what he believed was rightfully his. Likewise, when I feel that something I value is being threatened, I often react with anger. Pride and the fear of losing face can make it hard for me to seek God’s guidance.
Ultimately, I need to cultivate a close and personal relationship with God. I want to know Him through firsthand experiences, recognizing Him as my God—merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). As I turn to Him in my troubles, I trust that He will listen, grant me wisdom, and deliver me.
DO:
• I will practice spiritual disciplines, especially daily Scripture reading, prayer, and examen, so that I can grow in my relationship with God and become more attuned to His ways.
• I will seek God in difficult decisions, trusting that He listens and answers.
• As His will becomes clear, I will humble myself, set aside pride and insecurity, and follow His guidance in obedience
PRAY:
God, You are my God. Teach me Your way, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart to revere Your name. In difficult decisions, let me run to You first, knowing that You will incline Your ear to listen and answer me. Great is Your steadfast love toward me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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