Blaming God, blaming others for our troubles

I kind of think that Ahab just brushed off Elijah as some kind of kook after Elijah prophesied that there would be no rain in the land for three years.  Otherwise, Ahab probably would’ve tossed him in jail.

But it didn’t take long for him to realize that Elijah’s words were true.  When realized this, however, Ahab didn’t blame himself for the drought and the famine that ensued.  He blamed Elijah. 

And so he went throughout all of Israel, and from kingdom to kingdom searching for Elijah.  And when those rulers said he wasn’t there, he made them swear it.

When Elijah finally came to confront Ahab, you can see the bitterness just dripping off of Ahab’s lips.

Is that you, you troubler of Israel? (1 Kings 18:17)

But Elijah, straightforward as always, replied,

I have not made trouble for Israel.  But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals. (1 Kings 18:18)

So often, when we face trouble in our lives, we are quick to blame others or to blame God when really, we should be looking at our own selves. 

But very few people like to do that.  It’s so much easier to blame others for our troubles. 

As long as  we do so, however, not only will we never solve our problems, but we’ll find ourselves clothed in bitterness as well.  At life.  At others.  And at God.

How about you?  Are you blaming others or God for the problems that you yourself caused by your own decisions or actions?

Don’t be like Ahab and deflect the blame off of yourself.  Rather repent, and admit your wrong.  Only then can the healing of your situation begin.