Unexpected Waves

When the lake is really busy with boats pulling skiers behind them, swirling in circles across the waves, the water becomes quite choppy, and difficult for the kayak to navigate. I enjoy the waves, and have become very nonchalant with the enormous swells that are created. Yesterday, I turned into the huge waves, and had one unexpectedly wash over my bow and drench me, filling the boat with a couple of inches of water.

Lesson learned. We can become blase and overconfident with familiarity. When we let our guard down, and presume we can handle easily whatever is thrown our way, God often responds with a drenching wave, a huge dose of humility.

Of all the sins of mankind, pride is the most damaging. It blinds us to our own deficiencies and gives us a heightened awareness of the sins of others. The Bible has a multitude of verses denouncing pride. It is an "abomination to the Lord."  Pride goes before destruction. Disgrace follows pride. Satan's root sin was one of pride -- he would not be satisfied unless he could supplant God.

As the unexpected wave threatened to plow my kayak under, in humility, I carefully steered my boat so the waves didn't hit me head-on again.

Proverbs 11:2 

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:5 

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 29:23 

One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Proverbs 16:18 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Galatians 6:3 

For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Proverbs 27:2

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

James 4:6 

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 26:12 

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.