God knows us well. That's why He cautions us about complacency when things are going well. When the world around us seems to be kindly towards us and life is good, we have a tendency to think it's because we have done it for ourselves - the self-made man syndrome.
The children of Israel were warned about this syndrome. God delivered them from Egypt. God provided manna in the wilderness and water from the rock. God defeated their foes. God gave them the land. God is the mover and shaker in all this.
The duty of the children of Israel was to be faithful, to trust and obey Him. When they did, things went well. When they didn't, they suffered the consequences.
The world would have us think that all the answers are within ourselves. That we can be self-reliant. Poppycock!
"I can do it myself" is the phrase of a three-year-old learning to tie his shoes. We all know how that ends -- delay in accomplishing the feat, shoes that come untied in moments, and frustration for both parent and child.
God, however, doesn't get frustrated with us. He merely lets us reap the natural consequences of our prideful actions. He does, however, want us to learn humility and dependence upon him. That's why He reminds the Israelite children about his deliverance and cautions them not to forget their dependence upon Him. We can take a leaf from that book.
Father, God,
Help us to remember all Your provision for us and our lives. Keep our dependence on You foremost in our minds. Teach us to seek Your counsel in all that we propose and give us ears to hear Your words to us.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
