BIBLE PASSAGE:
Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear
my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
(Psalm 5:1-2)
MEDITATION:
Too many times some think they can ‘make it on their own’ without
help. But those who know the Lord are aware of the need for His
help every day. The psalmist knew of his weaknesses so he started
the day by asking the Lord to help him throughout the day.
He unashamedly told the Lord of his concerns with a confidence
that the Lord would hear his prayers, and provide whatever he
needed to get through the day.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the
morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
(Psalm 5:3)
Some people miss out on enjoying the psalmist’s level of
fellowship with the Lord, and having the confidence that
He will provide. The scriptures tell us that God will not
have a close relationship with those who are wicked, evil,
arrogant, deceitful, liars, and enjoy doing wrong
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant
cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do
wrong; you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty
and deceitful you, LORD, detest.
(Psalm 5:4-6)
We might look at the list in the previous paragraph and say,
“Thank goodness that does not describe me!”
But we need to remember that each fault encompasses a lot.
For instance, some may not feel they are arrogant, but how
many times have we looked down on others and their failures?
How many times have we been rude to others?
How many times have we been guilty of:
– Not listening, but thinking about what we plan to say next.
– Interrupting before a person has finished speaking.
– Turning our attention to someone else
while someone is speaking to us?
– Failing to keep our mouth shut and our ears open whenever
another person is expressing some heartfelt concerns that are
important to them.
– Feeling that doing some task is below our dignity.
– Calling someone else dumb, stupid, an idiot, an airhead, etc.
– Ignoring others if the topic of
conversation is not something that interests us.
– Bragging about the material things we own, or the abilities
God has given us (as if we achieved them on our own).
I’m sure you could think of many more examples, but suffice it to
say that this short list is an indication of arrogance. The psalmist
knew that the best way to avoid the things which displease God,
was to focus on improving his own humility.
But I, by your great love, can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple.
(Psalm 5:7)
ACTION:
Would you consider yourself as a person of humility? It may not
be what you want of yourself, but it is what God expects of you.
You might think it is a sign of weakness, but it’s quite the opposite;
it takes a person of strength to become humble.
How often have you done things for others without being asked,
without expecting anything in return, and without it being your
effort to feed your own ego? Doing for others is not restricted to
something physically. We can help others by offering words of
encouragement (a text, a card, an email, a phone call, or in person).
We can help others when we are sympathetic and have a listening
ear when they need someone to talk to. There are many who have
experienced the arrogance of others and would love to have a sincere,
concerned friend who is willing to spend time listening to them and
their concerns.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I want to be the humble person You want
me to be. Help me to make whatever changes I need in order
to lose any arrogance in my attitude. Remind that everything
I have is a blessing from You and I should never allow any
arrogant pride to convince me that all I have, and all that I
have become, is a result of my efforts alone. Remind me that
You have asked me to return a small portion of all that You
have given me (out of a heart of thankfulness). If I am to
depend on You to help me throughout each day, then I must
trust You in all things.”
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