Overconfident

By all logic, Judah should have been victorious in their confrontation with Syria. They seemed to have all the advantages, including more soldiers. Yet it was Syria that was triumphant.

Why was Judah defeated? Not because of poor strategy or preparation, but because they “had forsaken the Lord.” Because they had turned away from Him, they did not have His blessing and favor.

Perhaps Judah had become overconfident and proud. They may have felt self-sufficient and felt that no one could defeat them. They certainly did not humble themselves before God, or seek His help. The Bible also indicates that God used this victory to teach them a lesson. To humble them.

How easily we can follow the same kind of patterns in our lives. Becoming overconfident. Trusting in ourselves or other people instead of God. Taking Him and His blessings for granted, even if we have gone our own way.

Instead of standing on the principles in His Word, we can focus on our own ideas or desires. Instead of being sensitive to His Spirit, we trust in our own resources, abilities, and understanding.

As the Bible tells us, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” But “cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:5-7).

Today, make sure that you commit your life to God. Even if you have done this in the past, do it again. Humble yourself before Him. Spend time in prayer, seeking His wisdom and direction. Seek the leading of His Spirit, and that still, small voice that can be your guide. And make sure that you trust in Him.