Keeping Watch

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives (1000) turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.  And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.  1 Kings 11: 4 & 6

How strange, that Solomon, in his old age, should be ensnared with fleshly lusts, youthful lusts.  As we must never presume upon the strength of our resolutions, so neither upon the weakness of our corruptions, so as to be secure and off our guard.

That so wise a man as Solomon was, so famed for a quick understanding and sound judgment, should suffer himself to be made such a fool of by these foolish women.  That so good a man, so zealous for the worship of God, who had been so conversant with divine things, and who prayed that excellent prayer at the dedication of the temple, should do these sinful things

Is this Solomon?  Have all his wisdom and devotion come to this at last?  Never was a gallant ship so wrecked, never was a crown so profaned.  Why God permitted it--it is not for us to enquire.

But it concerns us to enquire what good use we may make of it.  Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  We see how weak we are of ourselves, without the Grace of God, let us therefore live in a constant dependence on that Grace.  (Matthew Henry)

When I read of these great men that God used and then read of their downfall; it strengthens my resolve to be watchful over my life.  Solomon never did repent of his ways and therefore the Lord dealt with him.  And really, 1000 wives?  What was he thinking?

I've not been balanced lately and have asked God to reveal things that need to be changed.  I actually kept a time diary of what I do during the day--trying to see what was draining me.  So I'm making a few changes that were revealed.  January for some reason has been a hard month--a lot of it, looking back, has been my own making.   But today is February--time to move on.