Proverbs 21:31

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

Have you ever come across someone whose actions do not match their words? This Proverb is a clear example of how Solomon did not practice what he taught.

In Deuteronomy 17:16 the Israelites are forbidden from importing horses and using them for their own gain. Yet Solomon imported 40,000 horses during his reign as king.  Reliance on horses for safety was ascribed as vain (Psalm 33:17).

While it is not wrong to make use of material things, we need to get a healthy balance of employing the tools of the world and yet ultimately trusting in God.

We strive and strain in our work, our relationships and in our family lives.  We toil and sweat trying to build our reputations, our businesses, our purpose.  We battle with our words and behaviours, with both our loved ones and enemies.  We want to have control in this wild world and yet somehow forget that the victory ultimately rests with our Lord.

Heavenly Father, please help me remember today that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12). 

Posted in Daily devotionals.