Obadiah 3 – “The pride of your heart has deceived you…”

Jonah 2:1 – “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.”

Micah 7:18 – “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, some key words filled my consciousness. They were “P” words.

Obadiah 3 reveals that “pride” is a deceiver.  It gives false confidence and trusts its own ability or knowledge.  In the account of Jonah, as he ran from the word because of Pride, we find him in a storm and consumed by the fish. Jonah 2:1, it was then that he “prayed.”

In repentance, he went to Nineveh with the Word, and they received it and repented.  Jonah became angry. Why? “PRIDE.”  That spirit is exhibited in those who attack others before the world. Jonah was embarrassed that his prophecy of judgment was not carried out. His reputation was threatened in his mind. Why? Pride! His focus was on self, not redemption!

God’s purpose is restoration.  God’s provision is a word to warn and a willingness to forgive. (Micah 7:18)  The counsel of the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:9 is germane. “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the same faith; heal your souls. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? If this is not so, then you are rejected.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 provides a rock to run to. “My grace is sufficient…”  The idea is not that it is just enough to get us through the moment, but that it is COMPLETELY SUFFICIENT in all things and at all times.

So, let’s reject pride, renounce perversion, and embrace peace and provision. May the power of God be manifest to you and through you.