2 Samuel 24:1–2 (ESV): “Again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” 2 So the king said to Joab, the commander of the army, who was with him, “Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people.”
Pride is always on the prowl to overtake our hearts. We must guard diligently against it, lest we begin to think too highly of ourselves. The Lord deserves all the glory for anything good in our lives!
When David was nearing the end of his life, he wrote a song of praise declaring all the great things that God had done (2 Sam 22). Immediately after this, pride crept into David’s heart and he ordered a census of the people. He wanted to see how vast his kingdom was. Joab tried to discourage him from doing this, but David insisted. After it was complete, David was convicted for what he had done. He repented, but God still brought judgment down on the nation of Israel because of David’s pride.
How do you guard yourself against pride? We are easily overtaken by it, thus we need to constantly be aware of it. The Bible says to humble yourself, and I would add daily. Get on your face before God and be reminded that you are nothing without His grace and mercy. Then guard your heart with His Word so you don't fall into the trap of thinking too highly of yourself. Finally, walk in the Spirit, He will keep you from pride.
Father, we thank You for reminding us of how easily we can allow pride into our hearts. Protect us from ourselves. Keep us in a place of humility for our own good we pray in Jesus' mighty name, amen.
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