Approximate Read Time: 2 Minutes
“You felt secure in your wickedness;
you said, “No one sees me”;
your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray,
and you said in your heart,
“I am, and there is no one besides me.”
Isaiah 47:10
Maybe you are familiar with the popular proverb, “lean [or trust] not in your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Less known is this verse from the heart of Isaiah. The idea is similar.
When we trust in our own ways or our own action, we lead ourselves to destruction. The Old Testament writers seem to be well aware of this human condition. Their world—and their people—continually fail to trust in God. Rather, they replace God with their own desires and wickedness.
We trust that our actions are safe—secret in our own hidden way of life. As humans, we put our trust in ourselves. We ignorantly believe that we are wise and able to see things as they are. The prophet reveals this is not the case.
When we trust our own ways, we are led astray. We are not led to life, salvation, or peace. Rather, when we trust our own ways, we are lead ourselves to death, condemnation, and pain.
We must look away from ourselves and look directly to God. He alone shares wisdom. He alone is able to cover our wickedness. He does see us. He sees us in our sin and in our pain. Yet for those who are brought to life through Christ Jesus, he sees not just us, but also his son—Jesus standing with us hand in hand. Jesus brings redemption to our lives.
May you be reminded of our insufficiency. Let us call upon Jesus.
Jesus, come to my rescue. Where my knowledge is lacking, bring wisdom. Where my wickedness abounds, your grace is more. Where none are beside me, you walk with me. Jesus, lead me.