Day 39: Looking to the One Who Made It

Click here for today's Scripture Reading: Day 39: Isa 18–22 | Prov 19:1–14 | Acts 15

Scripture: “You collected water from the lower pool. You counted the houses of Jerusalem so that you could tear them down to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the walls for the water from the ancient pool, but you did not look to the one who made it or consider the one who created it long ago.” — Isaiah 22:11 (CSB)

In Isaiah’s day, God’s people were busy reinforcing walls and securing water supplies. From a human standpoint, they were being wise and strategic. Yet God exposed a fatal flaw: they prepared for survival without dependence. They trusted their planning, engineering, and effort—but failed to look to the One who created the city, provided the resources, and sustained them all along.

We face the same temptation today. Life easily slips into “business as usual.” We check off assignments, work full days, attend school, carry out ministries, and meet responsibilities—often in our own strength. We may be productive, organized, and disciplined, yet still function as if God were optional rather than central. The danger isn’t activity; it’s autonomy. When we operate without prayerful dependence, we repeat the error of Jerusalem—building reservoirs while ignoring the Creator.

Reflection: Where has routine replaced reliance in your life? Pause today and intentionally look to the One who gave you your opportunities, abilities, and strength. Productivity without dependence is empty, but ordinary faithfulness done with God at the center is richly blessed.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I move through my days without looking to You. Help me resist self-reliance and remember that every opportunity I have comes from Your hand. Teach me to depend on You in both the urgent and the ordinary moments of life. Amen.