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This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: “On what are you basing your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege?” (2 Chronicles 32:10 NIV)
For the month of May, Dr. Randy Carlson is giving us, “Today’s Word for Your Life.” And as you can see from the above title, today’s word is CONFIDENCE.
Jerusalem had been invaded by the Assyrians, led by King Sennacherib and 185,000 warriors. Sennacherib was probably referring to a little pep-talk Hezekiah had with his people just before the Assyrians arrived:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
In a similar situation, King David tells us where not to put your trust: I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. (Psalm 44:6 NLT) Not easy counsel when surrounded by 185,000 enemy soldiers. But David knew from an early age to whom the battle belonged:
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear the Lord saved; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:47 NIV)
There are other things we’re told not to put our confidence in:
Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:4 NLT)
If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, “You are my security… then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. (Job 31:24, 29 NIV)
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. (Psalm 146:3 NLT)
We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. (Philippians 3:3 NLT)
Today’s One Thing
I suppose it’s easier to put our confidence in the Lord when faced with huge and overwhelming challenges; like a teenage boy going toe–to–toe with a giant; or a besieged city surrounded by 185,000 warriors. But God was there. Can you put your confidence in the Lord when it comes to the smaller things? Especially when it’s so easy to rely on your own skill, smarts, looks, wealth or connections? Let David’s choice be an example to you:
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7 NLT)
Going Deeper
Watch Dr. Randy Carlson’s Intentional Living Minute on CONFIDENCE. You can even get them in your email when you go to TheIntentionalLife.com/minute.
