Day 16: The Delusion of Pride

Question: In what area or areas of your life are you pursuing success or victory without first seeking the Lord in hopes that you can claim the victory for yourself? When you succeed, are you tempted to boast in your own abilities without giving God the credit that He deserves? What do those moments reveal about your heart, and how can you intentionally surrender those areas back to the One who created you?

Bible Passage: Jeremiah 9:23-24: “This is what the LORD says: The wise man must not boast in his wisdom; the strong man must not boast in his strength; the wealthy man must not boast in his wealth. But the one who boasts should boast in this, that he understands and knows Me — that I am Yahweh, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the LORD’s declaration.”

Reflection: Pride is the delusion of self, a fun-house mirror that distorts your identity. It is also a refusal to accept God’s place in your life. By abandoning the mechanism that guides you, you are bound to be led astray. I imagine pride in my life as a young sailor going out into the ocean for the first time, ignoring the suggestions of the true captain.  Being confident in yourself is not a bad thing; the fault occurs when you forget (or purposefully reject) your identity as a servant of Christ. When we fast, we intentionally seek to return to that identity by rejecting worldly indulgences, whatever that may be for you during this time. What do you feel is distracting you in this world? What weight do you feel you have to hold onto? Is there a sin struggle that you pridefully do not seek help with? Is your self-image worth more than your relationship with Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are holy, holy, holy. I want to honor you first and foremost and acknowledge your authority…I see the strengths you have given me, and yet I continuously use them for my own self. I boast in my own name instead of yours. I claim authority and control over things that I have no control or authority over. I rely on my wisdom, strength, and wealth, forgetting You are the one who gave it to me. In this moment, I physically clench my fists and recognize what I have been holding on to, the pieces I won’t let you sanctify, the rooms I don’t want you in… And I let it go. I release the tension I have been holding on to, the pride saying I have to do it all on my own. Thank you, Lord, for your faithful love, justice, and righteousness. I love you. Amen.