Self-confident folly is merely going about our daily lives without acknowledging God in worship, reading the Word, talking to Him or even thinking about Him. Whether it’s out of a feeling of laziness or misplaced confidence, we don’t feel like we need Him, so we don’t pursue Him. Our time is spent doing everything but that. This is a foolish mindset and way of life. Not only are we completely numb to our dire need for God, but we are robbing ourselves of the immense blessing of living in His presence every day and hearing His voice guide us in every decision.
“…those who trust in and lean on their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him…”
– Psalms 49:6 & 7 (AMPC)
We must remember that it’s only because of God’s grace and mercy on us that we can find ourselves in a season of such abundant peace where we are tempted to just kick back and take it easy. But that peace gives us more of a reason to celebrate God and give our time to Him, not less. It’s wrong to take a gift from someone without at least acknowledging their effort with gratitude. How much more is it wrong to embrace the free, abundant life God has given us every day, yet completely neglect Him and refuse to dedicate a reasonable chunk of each day to Him? After all, God blesses us in the hope that we will be drawn into a deeper relationship and desire to be with Him (1 John 4:19, Romans 5:8). Take a look at Psalms 85:9 (AMPC) with some of the words expanded into their dictionary definitions, indicated by parenthesis:
“His (preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss) is near and is ready to be (set apart for or assigned) to those who (have a sense of honor and respect mixed with love and awe for God) and worshipfully fear Him, that [the manifest presence of God, His] glory may (take up residence) and abide in our land.”
Allow yourself time to be with God and develop your sense of love and awe for Him, so that you are near to Him at all times and He can be there for you right when you need Him. What are some things you may have some misplaced confidence in? It could be certain friends, a skill set you have, opinions of others, video games, or maybe even your looks.
Confession for today: “Father, forgive me for putting my confidence in anything other than You. Help me to renew my sense of reverence for all that You are and align my abilities with Your will so that I never put my confidence in them above confidence in You.”
Pursue your purpose in Him,
Anthony B.
