Deuteronomy 9:4
Do not say in your heart, after the LORD your God has thrust them out before you, “It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,” whereas it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is driving them out before you.
All we have is from the Lord, and none of what we have is because of any goodness in our hearts. All of what the Lord does is a beautiful act of mercy, glorious to the Lord, radiating His love and mercy.
We are to take every thought captive and guard ourselves against thinking we deserve anything. For anything we think we deserve becomes an idol.
Even in our sinful wretchedness, we can glorify and even idolize ourselves. We can say, “Did God really say?” and begin to worship our self-perceived goodness.
Let us look to Christ; let us glorify Christ; let us seek Christ; let us hope in Christ, not in ourselves. For all things are under the Lordship of Christ, and in Him we rest for all things.
Lastly, let us heed the warning that goes with this. It is because of the wickedness of the nations that God is driving out the people before Israel. Let us seek the Lord and guard our hearts, by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, from the very same wickedness, lest God drive us out and keep us from knowing Himself.
2 Corinthians 10:5, Genesis 3:1
Father, You are so merciful in allowing us to know You. You are continually and mercifully growing and establishing Your Kingdom. Forgive me for doubting You, and for even thinking it is because of anything I have done, rather than looking to You. Please guide my heart and my steps according to Your grace, and for Your glory, to do Your will, in love. In Jesus’ name. Amen