Though the LORD is on high,
Yet He regards the lowly;
But the proud He knows from afar.—Psalm 138:6
As I read these words last night my eyes filled up with tears of overwhelming gratitude which only increased as I read the accompanying cross-reference verses. The older I get the more it is obvious to me how very weak and insufficient I am for this life. I am so thankful that humble dependence is what our God wants. It is what pleases Him. I can give up my self righteousness pride and live moment by moment dependent on His grace…His undeserved favor. So why then is this not my “go to”? Why is it so hard for me to acknowledge my weakness and need as I go about my day and depend on God’s wisdom, direction and strength rather than my own? I think the answer is that my pride does not like to live in constant awareness of my need. Sin makes us so stupid!
Beloved…Don’t be stupid and stubborn like me. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. As you cry out His grace will be there to meet your every need. He will give you more and more grace to defy the sin that (if you are anything like me) so easily ensnares you and live a life that reflects your trust and your gratitude for God’s indescribable gift.
Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners,
Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].—Proverbs 3:34 AMP
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
"God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.—James 5:6-10
Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant's apron], for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].—1 Peter 5:5-7 AMP
