Tuning a King's Heart Like a Water Channel . . . Proverbs 21:1

The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1

Do kings and rulers make their decisions and run their kings totally independent from the Lord?  Some would think so, but the truth is that God is ultimately sovereign over the king.  What is interesting about this particular proverb is that we see the king as an instrument of the Lord - and the Lord can direct this king's actions in whatever way He chooses.  Can this be true?  Can God honestly direct a king's heart like a channel of water?

We turn again to the pages of Scripture.  We see again and again that God controls the heart of the king.  For those who struggle with authority and think they constantly have to take things into their own hands, this passage is a reminder that God can work in any person's heart to accomplish His purpose.  To see this, we only need to turn to the book of Esther and watch how God works in the heart of king Ahasuerus.  The nation of Israel was on the brink of extinction within the kingdom, due to the wicked influence of Haman on the king.  Esther has been praying for three days before entering the presence of the king - fearing that if he is displeased with her entrance - she could face death.  Haman has his plot in place - ready to not just punish Mordecai, but to destroy his people as well.  All seems to be moving to this horrific end for Israel - until God moves on the king's heart.  Providentially, the king cannot sleep and asks for the anals of the kingdom to be read to him.  Coming across an oversight on his part - he learns that Mordecai had rescued him from a plot to overthrown his rule and reign.  As the king hears of this kindness we see the hand of the Lord turning the water course wherever He desires.  Soon, we watch a complete reversal and now Mordecai is the spiritual leader - and Esther is honorred as Queen

There are those who fear that their lives are just being used as a pawn in a large chess game need to be encouraged as to the outcome.  But we are not just cosmic pawns put in a game where higher powers move us to and fro.  We are ultimately a part of what God is doing in bringing His own purpose and plan about each and every day.  What is best for us is to search out and know God's purpose for our lives.  If that purpose seems to be thwarted -even by royalty - we need to remember that our God directs kings and guides them like a husbandman directs a vine which he grows.  Never lose heart - because God is ultimately in control - even over the highest office imaginable.