February 15, 2023

Passage Read: 2 Chronicles 10-13
Meditation Verses: 10:13-14

Thought

It's not usually a good idea to prove how tough and strong you are, but far better to rely on the Lord for guidance and strength and victory. Rehoboam's son had learned humility and reliance on the Lord, probably from the negative example of his father. And Abijah was delivered when the Israelites came with a superior force. Rehoboam, on the other hand, exalted himself and turned against the Lord, and both times was rejected and humbled. So trying to prove how strong or tough or great you are is a really bad idea in the Lord's eyes.

Application

The Lord honors meekness, not arrogance. The one who exalts himself will be humbled, if the Lord loves him. Otherwise, that guy is toast, even if he succeeds against his adversaries. But the meek who rely on the Lord will see victory, though it may not be as immediate as Abijah's deliverance. Better to be meek than to make a show of bravado and get slapped down. I'm truly on my own if I think I can win on my own!