One of the most prominent manifestations of evil designed to oppress, even crush, my happiness is deception. The enemy is out to make me believe something that is not true. A deception is designed to look like truth. Biting on deception is like biting on bait placed on a hook. It's ultimate purpose is my demise. And when I make decisions based on deception, I bring upon myself consequences that may last a lifetime. Wisdom is to make good decisions. Good decisions are based on the discernment of the truth. The discernment of the truth is not possible without God's counsel because God is truth.
Unfortunately, Joshua made a decision, even a covenant, without seeking God's counsel. The Gibeonites deceived him to think they were people from far lands when indeed they were inhabitants of the land Joshua set out to conquer. Because of the hasty decision, Joshua made a covenant with the Gibeonites and spared their lives. The Israelites made them slaves, but they had to live with them every day; a daily reminder of their disobedience to the Lord. Deception is powerful and can alter one's life forever. The Gibeonite deception is a reminder of the Satanic deception in the Garden of Eden.
True freedom is in my subjection to the counsel of God. His counsel will help me discern the truth and avoid deception. My decision-making will be wise if I consult my God through prayer and his Word. Happiness will follow me, if I follow God's counsel. Wisdom and its benefits are rooted in choices guided by God's will. I want to exercise my power of choice while enslaved to my God. It is the only way to experience the joy of true freedom.
Oh God, I dedicate myself to you. I want to be wholly yours. May I seek you day by day and consult you before making decisions. Guide me with your truth. Spare me from deception.
