Each time I walk through a book store I make it a point to visit the “self-help” section. It never ceases to amaze me at the large amount of space this particular category of books occupies. Over 1,500,000 different titles are available in the United States, and the amount of money spent on them exceeded $13,900,000.00.
In 1859 Samuel Smiles published a book entitled, Self-help, and an industry designed to provide self-help, self-improvement, problem-solving, and confidence-building was born. But, this was not the beginning of this movement. The Egyptians receive some credit for this area of knowledge as well as The Book of Proverbs.
However, there’s one very important difference between Proverbs and the other sources available for hope and help: The Book of Proverbs comes with a guarantee from God. The others do not, even cannot, guarantee anything. Only a guarantee that comes from God can be trusted.
“For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” Confidence does not come from formulas or mental exercises, nor a plan or a program. It comes from the only One who can empower us to become and do things that are beyond our imagination. Whatever God wants us to do, He will, through His power, enable us to do it.
Confidence does not come from within - it comes from God. When we apply His “discernment and sound judgment,” His presence and power are available for us.
Prayer: Lord, may we seek the wisdom of Your Word and reject the foolishness of those who live in darkness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Proverbs 3:26 For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
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