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Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:23–24, NASB95

We tend to be prideful in our lives. It can be challenging not to take pride in our accomplishments, and we may easily begin to think too highly of ourselves. The people of Israel often failed to see how far they had strayed from worshiping the one true God and remembered all the victories of the past, thinking that they had come about because they were either that powerful or that they deserved God’s love and protection. Prophets like Jeremiah warned them and attempted to call them back to God, but the ears of a prideful-hearted person often cannot hear about failures or shortcomings. When things are going well, our ears often become deaf to warnings of future calamity. When we feel under attack, calls to repentance are often seen as disloyalty and judgment. Yet, God is always faithful, and His lovingkindness is enduring. As we walk in this journey of faith with our Lord, it is a gift to remember how He stands with His faithful and chosen, and His mercy is never-ending. Our Lord’s love is abundant, and His redemption is forever before us. Let all these things bring us into His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.