Daily Devotional

The Bait of Self-Sufficiency 

“We have forgotten God…We have vainly imagined…that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient…too proud to pray to the God that made us.” — Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day (1863)

More than 160 years later, these words still remain relevant today. 

In Sunday’s message, Pastor Todd reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s prayer during one of the darkest seasons in our nation’s history. Lincoln recognized a danger that reached far beyond a nation; it reached into every human heart: self-sufficiency. 

Success has a subtle way of convincing us we don’t need God. The more capable, comfortable, and successful we become, the easier it is to rely on our own strength. Slowly, dependence on God is replaced with dependence on ourselves. But our own strength has limits. 

Scripture reminds us that true strength isn’t found in self-reliance, it’s found in surrender. Proverbs encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend not on our own understanding.” God never intended us to carry the weight of life alone. He invites us to depend on Him every step of the way. 

Where have you become more self-sufficient instead of leaning on God? Bring that area before Him today and ask Him to teach you what it looks like to trust Him more deeply.

Prayer Practice: Dear Lord, please forgive me for the moments I’ve relied more on my own strength than on Yours. Teach me to live with humility and dependence on You. Help me remember that every good gift comes from You, and lead me to trust You more each day. Amen.