Introduction: Hannibal Smith (of the A-Team) used to say that he loved it when a plan comes together. Today I would like to report that a plan has come together. Not my human plan, but one that God has been working on for some time.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 Solomon reports that in order to hear from heaven that one of the criteria is to humble yourself before the Lord. Humility is not an easy thing to define and even harder to do. To accomplish a definition of humility and to become humble has been a massive struggle for me. (I would rather be large and in charge – it’s my way or the highway – you get the point.)
Just recently I was reading in Psalm 25 and the Lord lifted out some questions for me to answer. Here are those four questions:
- Do you think that the Lord is good and right all the time? A humble person says yes. One not so humble has a few reservations and can cite time and place where it doesn’t appear that the Lord was good and right.
- Do you think the Lord can show you the right way to go in life? A humble person says yes on the spot. The one who has not arrived at this place yet says, Um, I’d like to make my own choice about what to do with my life.
- Do you think the Lord can show you how to do what’s right? A humble person says yes without a doubt. One who struggles with humility gets uncomfortable, not wanting to give up the right to make their own decision about what is right and wrong.
- Do you believe that the Lord can teach you His ways? A humble person has faith that whatever the Lord brings is the right thing and responds absolutely. Those who wish to be self-determinant say I think I’ll look for a new way or a deeper or hidden meaning to what the Lord is saying there.
Here are five statements that a humble person would make to lead to the healing of their spirits:
- I believe the Lord’s ways are loving and true. They humbly follow whatever He leads you to do.
- I repent of my sin for the sake of Your name. The humble know that a sinning follower is besmirching the name of Christ.
- I respect the Lord God because I know that He will lead me in the very best way. The humble do this is faith.
- I will keep my eyes on the Lord. The humble know that He will keep them from traps.
- I will turn my ways to Him. The humble know that He will have mercy on us. When a humble person does this the Lord comes along side them and helps them with their loneliness and hurting. The humble know that the only source for real help is in the Lord. He will help with the suffering and trouble that comes our way.
A thought: Being humble is hard. Being self-sufficient is harder. Giving up is deadly.
Prayer: Lord, lead me to be more humble today. Show me the way to do this. I desire healing from you for the stuff of life.
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