Self Trust

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Saturday, June 21, 2025

Today's Text: Luke 12:16-21

Key Verse: Proverbs 28:26 (ESV): "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."

Every sturdy ship you see relies on a skilled captain to navigate treacherous waters. No matter the size of the ship, and the recklessness of the Sea, the captain is trusted to take the ship to safety. In the same manner, all of us, believers in Christ, are called to rely on God's guidance rather than our own limited understanding. Self-trust has been seen as a virtue in worldly standards, but it is often a perilous path in our spiritual journey. Self trust may be a sure failure to recognize the inherent fallibility of our human judgment and/or failure to acknowledge that true success and deliverance come from seeking God's wisdom above all else.

Through the parable before us, today, parable of the rich fool, Jesus vividly illustrates the dangers of trusting in material wealth and one's own earthly provisions instead of God. He wants us to know that our lives are not defined by what we accumulate, but by our relationship with God. Examples abound in scripture: Man's fall stemmed from Adam's trust in his own desires over God's clear command. Peter, in his self-assured declaration of loyalty, denied Jesus three times, though he was later restored through humble reliance on God's grace. These instances serve as powerful reminders of the pitfalls of self-reliance and the profound blessings found in complete dependence on God.

Relying on God requires humble spirit and a heart that is willing to surrender all plans and desires to God's perfect will. God's perfect will here does not mean there are some imperfect or permissible will as aome erroneously teach or claim. But every will of God is perfect for man even when we cannot think so. But, regardless, trusting God is actively seeking His guidance through prayer, scripture, and believing His word. It is genuinely trusting the Lord with all our heart and leaning not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-7). If we do, He promises to make our paths straight. God's standard for us is no longer "I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Self trust destroyed the rich fool; it can destroy anybody. Besides, it robs us the opportunity to navigate life's challenges with these divine blessings, presence, wisdom and strength.

Action Steps: Take time today to reflect on areas where you might be leaning on your own understanding instead of God's. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal His will and to help you surrender your self-reliance. Commit to trusting God fully in all your ways. Seek counsel from a trusted spiritual mentor or friend when facing significant decisions.

Quote for the Day: "The heart that rows on self trust is on-board of titanic. The music of its fantasies will soon end in the belly of the Sea." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequotes)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering wisdom and guidance. Please forgive me for the times I have trusted in my own understanding instead of Yours. Help me, dear Lord, to fully surrender my life to You, to lean on Your infinite wisdom, and to walk in the paths You have made straight for me. Live in me daily, O dear Lord, and guide me in every step I take — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Proverbs 3:5-7, Jeremiah 17:9, and Galatians 2:20.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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