Young People, You Must Pray

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-12

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Charles Spurgeon once said, “young people, you must pray, for your passions are strong, and your wisdom is little”. Young people must be on high alert of the roots of pride that are waiting to sprout. In all his intelligent deceit, Satan waters our pride with lies and self-satisfaction. He watches attentively, waiting for the hour it blossoms. At that moment, Satan will laugh in glee, reminiscing his success to turn a servant against his master. Much will he be pleased with our fall, and much will he continue to strike, so we do not get back up. 

Pride, at its core, is an intentional rebellion against God. When we step forth without God in our own wisdom, we are saying, “my decisions and my ways are superior to God’s”. When we do not acknowledge God, little do we know that we usurp God’s rightful throne in our lives. Pride is evil; Satan uses it as his ultimate tool to bring down the works of the Lord and to tear apart Christians who work for God. 

Observe the wisdom of the proverbs:

1. Do not forget God’s Word (v. 1-4)

v. 1-4 speaks of two things we must remember. First, remember God’s Word. Second, remember the promises of God. God’s Word and promises are our sources of life and sustenance. They are our prime necessity; we have no stand against the devil’s schemes without them. 

2. Trust in the Lord (v. 5-8)

Apart from God’s ways, we have no hope. Observe how v. 5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” “in all your ways acknowledge Him”. The battle against pride starts with a full surrender of will and affection to God. If there is left in us anything for self, Satan will infiltrate and use it to steal the glory and take what is rightfully God’s. Our understanding and wisdom lead to folly. Remember who we are; broken and clouded in sin. Do not hold back anything from God. In all aspects of our life, whether it be school, church, family, or our inner thoughts, surrender all under God’s guidance and leading. With such, all glory is God’s; there is no room for self. 

3. Surrender our best to the Lord (v. 9-10)

How do we trust in the Lord in all things? First, honour the Lord with our first fruits. Give to God what is our best. Surrender our prime time for Him. Surrender our greatest strength and effort. Let God govern our days and hours. May He take control of our lives. Do not hold back. The best that we have surrender it all to Him and watch Him work wonders that bring us down to our knees in awe and reverence. 

4. Rejoice in reproof (v. 11-12)

Trusting God means accepting His way as right and His paths superior to ours. When God disciplines and turns our sinful path, acknowledge His righteous ways. Rejoice in His reproof because it is a sign of His love. “The LORD reproves him whom he loves”. In submission and trust to God is pride eliminated. In acknowledging God as the source of goodness and submitting to His discipline, do we cut out room for self-exaltation. 

Have you acknowledged God’s righteous sovereignty over our lives? Have you surrendered your life to His ways? 

Pride is a lifelong battle. Those who think they can defeat pride fall right into Satan’s deceitful trap. As Spurgeon said, “Young people must pray”. There is only one determining factor for success; God who works. Unless God builds His house, our work is in vain. Unless God works His kingdom in our lives, our efforts are in vain. Unless God works to expand His rulership in this world, our ministry is futile. 

Get to your knees. Prayer is our only asset. 

Lord, You are my only hope. In my sin and heart’s deceitfulness, I constantly steal Your glory. Forgive me and hold me. Do not let me steal Your glory. Here is my life once more; to You, I surrender all. May You reign and work in my life. To You be all the glory. Rule over my whole life, I entrust all to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.