When we talk to God before making decisions, it keeps us out of all sorts of trouble. Joshua learned this the hard way. He had just conquered Jericho, the biggest city in the Promised Land. The Israelites were elated and full of their victory, and didn’t feel like they needed to consult God about their next move. But over-confidence can be dangerous. The Gibeonites, one of the enemy nations in the Promised Land, realised they couldn’t win against God’s people, so they sent negotiators in to make peace with them. And it worked. Joshua assumed they were telling the truth and signed a treaty. But the Gibeonites were lying. It proved to be one of the biggest mistakes of Joshua’s life. From that day on the Gibeonites were a constant thorn in Israel’s side, and Joshua must have regretted that he ‘didn’t ask GOD about it’. An old hymn contains a very important truth about this: ‘O what peace we often forfeit; O what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.’ There’s a fine line between God-given assurance and self-sufficiency, and when we cross that line it can cost us dearly. If you tend to move too quickly, rely on your own strength and skill, or forget to involve God, read these words carefully and prayerfully: ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the LORD in all you do, and he will give you success. Don’t depend on your own wisdom. Respect the LORD and refuse to do wrong’ (Proverbs 3:5-7 NCV).

What Now?

Read Proverbs 3:5-7, then use it to guide your prayers. Whenever you need to make a decision today, try to make a conscious effort to involve God.