Insights from The Weekly REBOOT
By: Evan Owens
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a spiral of overthinking, you’re not alone. It’s easy for our thoughts to snowball, creating problems that weren’t even there to begin with. While some may call this "problem-solving," the story of King Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12 offers a sobering warning about what happens when we rely solely on our own thoughts.
Jeroboam’s story begins with great promise. After Solomon’s death, the once-unified kingdom of Israel split in two. Jeroboam became king of the Northern Kingdom, Israel, while Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, ruled the Southern Kingdom, Judah. Despite this division, Jeroboam had God’s promise of a lasting dynasty if he followed God’s commands (1 Kings 11:38). It’s a setup for success.
But then, we see a pivotal moment in 1 Kings 12:26: “Jeroboam thought to himself.” This seemingly innocent act of self-reflection set off a chain reaction of fear-based decisions that would alter his legacy forever. Here’s a closer look at what went wrong and how it applies to our own lives.
Fear Fuels False Assumptions Jeroboam’s internal monologue went something like this: “If people go to Jerusalem to worship, they’ll pledge allegiance to Rehoboam, and I’ll be killed” (1 Kings 12:27). Notice how quickly his thoughts escalated. What began as a logistical observation (“people will go to Jerusalem”) spiraled into fear (“I’ll be killed”). The more he thought, the more his fears felt justified.How often do we do the same? We’re faced with a change at work or a challenge at home, and instead of seeking God’s perspective, we "think to ourselves." We assume the worst, lose sight of God’s promises, and end up making decisions rooted in fear rather than faith.
Logical Plans Without Spiritual Guidance From a human standpoint, Jeroboam’s plan made sense. He built two golden calves and placed them at convenient locations (Bethel and Dan) to make worship "easier" for his people. He created his own festival, appointed non-Levite priests, and crafted a system that looked efficient on paper (1 Kings 12:28-33). But logical decisions are not always godly decisions.How often do we prioritize efficiency over obedience? We might take a higher-paying job, thinking it’s the "logical" next step, even when God’s peace is absent. Or we justify small compromises in relationships, finances, or leadership, telling ourselves, “This just makes sense.” But what makes sense to us isn’t always aligned with God’s will.
Echo Chambers Create Isolation Jeroboam’s thought process was a solo journey. He didn’t seek wise counsel, pray, or ask God for direction. He “thought to himself”—and only himself. In isolation, the loudest voice in our minds isn’t always the wisest voice.In Proverbs 12:15, we’re reminded, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Without external input or spiritual direction, Jeroboam’s fear-driven decisions became disastrous. When we’re isolated in our thoughts, we’re more likely to justify sin, avoid accountability, and make decisions that “seem right” but lead to regret.
Jeroboam’s story didn’t end well. The prophet who had once declared his future success later pronounced his downfall (1 Kings 14:6-20). God’s promise of a lasting dynasty crumbled because Jeroboam’s fear outweighed his faith. His house was burned "as one burns dung until it is all gone" (1 Kings 14:10). This harsh imagery serves as a reminder of the destruction that follows when we lean on our own understanding instead of God's promises.
Jeroboam’s legacy became the standard of rebellion. Future kings of Israel were often compared to him, with scripture repeatedly stating, “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of Jeroboam” (1 Kings 16:2). He became a cautionary tale—a symbol of a leader who thought to himself, rather than seeking the wisdom of God.
Thinking to ourselves isn’t always the problem. But when our thoughts are driven by fear, isolation, and self-reliance, we’re headed down a dangerous path. The story of King Jeroboam reminds us that even well-intentioned, "logical" plans can lead to destruction if God’s wisdom isn’t at the center.
So, the next time you’re tempted to overthink, pause. Ask God for guidance, seek wise counsel, and wait for His peace. Don’t let your own thoughts become the loudest voice in the room. Trust that God’s promises are true—even when your mind tries to convince you otherwise.