June 21 - When Pride Meets Reality

JUNE 21 - When Pride Meets Reality3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:12; 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 54//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” — Proverbs 18:12 (ESV)“And David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ The Lord said to him, ‘Go and attack them.’ So David went to Keilah and saved the inhabitants of the city.” — 1 Samuel 23:2–3 (ESV)“Save me, O God, by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.” — Psalm 54:1–2 (ESV)________________________________________It’s easy to think we’ve got life all figured out, especially when things are going well. But Proverbs 18:12 warns that pride often comes before a fall. Even someone like David, who was chosen by God to be king, had moments where he needed guidance and protection. In 1 Samuel 23, David could have acted on his own, but he inquired of the Lord first, and God’s wisdom led him to save a city from danger. And in Psalm 54, we see that when danger and threats surround us, the right response is to call on God for help, trusting His power rather than our own strength.Life throws challenges our way—pressure from peers, difficult decisions at school, or unexpected conflicts at home. It’s tempting to rely on our own understanding, but God’s way is always wiser. Humility opens the door to honor, guidance, and protection, while pride can blind us to danger.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Check Your Heart: Are there areas where pride is influencing your choices? How can humility change the outcome of a situation (Proverbs 18:12)?2. Seek God’s Guidance: Like David, do you ask God before making important decisions (1 Samuel 23:2–3)? How does relying on Him change the way you act?3. Call on God in Trouble: When you feel threatened, anxious, or overwhelmed, how can turning to God in prayer (Psalm 54:1–2) help you find peace and direction?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEHumility and reliance on God protect you from pride and guide you through life’s challenges.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, help me to recognize the pride in my heart and choose humility instead. Teach me to seek Your guidance in every decision and to trust You when I face challenges or feel threatened. Strengthen my faith so I can rely on Your wisdom and protection every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.