"Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do and he will give you success." Proverbs 3:5,6
We work hard to teach our children responsibility, self-control and mature self-reliance. We want them to stand on their own two feet. But Solomon the Wise reminds us that we cannot take such reliance to far. We cannot take it to the point of dependence. Let me explain.
Being responsible is a very good thing. But when our attitude reaches the point where we trust first in ourselves and fail to consult God, we can find ourselves spiritually shipwreck. Our temptation is pride, an unhealthy arrogance that slips into our think when things are going great in our lives.
What complicates life is the inevitable downturn. As the commercial says, "Life comes at you fast." When we are waylaid by life by things outside our control (illness, a difficult relationship or an economic downturn), we give into despair.
What we cannot afford to give up is daily trusting in God. The good habit of asking His opinion and considering His will. Remember our Lord said, "The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the who makes himself humble like this child." Matthew 18:4
So how good are you? I would recommend you think twice. Don’t lean on your understanding alone.
Remember that God hears your prayers (Psalm 18:6), gives you refuge (Isaiah 4:5,6), refines you to his purposes each day (Zechariah 13:9) and eventually will resolve your trials (Isaiah 19:20)
Think twice!