READING: 1 Chronicles 19-23
I can never read 1 Chronicles 21 without deep conviction setting in. David, the king, followed the influence of Satan to do a census of his people—with particular focus on his warriors. Apparently, David wanted to know just how strong his kingdom was (and, consequently, just how mighty he was). Even Joab knew this focus on his own power was wrong, but David nevertheless ignored Joab’s concerns.
God was so displeased with David’s actions that He ultimately sent a plague on nation of Israel—and David came to brokenness and repentance. David had surely known that God was to be his strength and warrior, for he learned that truth in his younger days when he fought Goliath (1 Sam 17:47). He knew then that the battle was God’s, but now he viewed the battle as his.
Many of us follow that same pattern when we who once depended deeply on God have defaulted into dependence on self. Depending on our own power, though, is foolish indeed.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you depend more on your own power or on God’s power?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, keep me dependent on You this day.”
MONDAY’S READING: 1 Chronicles 24-28
