How can we avoid the mistake of insincerity in seeking God's will today? Setting the Scene in Jeremiah 42 Jerusalem lies in ruins. A frightened remnant begs Jeremiah, “Seek a word for us—whatever God says, we’ll do.” Yet Jeremiah 42:20 exposes their hearts: “For you were deceiving yourselves when you sent me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf; and whatever the LORD our God says, tell us and we will do it.’” They never intended to obey; Egypt was already in their plans. Why Sincerity Matters to God • God looks beneath words to motives (1 Samuel 16:7). • Double-mindedness blocks wisdom: “But let him ask in faith, without doubting… a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6-8) • Cherished sin silences prayer: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18) • The Word itself “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Warning Signs of a Pre-Decided Heart • Seeking confirmation, not direction—only looking for verses that fit a preference. • Making contingency plans “just in case” God’s answer differs. • Bargaining (“If God does X, then I’ll obey”), instead of unconditional surrender. • Selective listening—ignoring counsel that confronts cherished desires. • A restless urgency that cannot wait on God’s timing, like Judah rushing toward Egypt. Steps toward Genuine Submission 1. Confess preconceived agendas. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) 2. Ask God to expose hidden motives. “Search me, O God, and know my heart… Lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) 3. Trust God more than your own understanding. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 4. Embrace whatever answer He gives, following the pattern of Jesus: “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) 5. Anchor decisions in Scripture, not impressions alone. God never contradicts His written Word. 6. Seek confirming counsel from mature believers who fear the Lord (Proverbs 11:14). 7. Obey promptly once clarity comes—delayed obedience quickly slides into disobedience. Practical Habits for Everyday Discernment • Daily Bible intake: let God speak first before you speak to Him. • Journaling motives: write out requests and honestly note any bias you detect. • Silent waiting: schedule unhurried time to listen after prayer. • Community accountability: share decisions with believers who will ask, “Have you truly surrendered this to the Lord?” • Regular remembrance: revisit past instances where God’s way proved wiser than your own. Acting on these principles keeps us from the Judah-in-Egypt trap. Instead of deceiving ourselves, we become people who say and mean, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening,” and then follow where He leads. |
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