"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6 NIV
When the boys were little, we read to them each evening. Of the many books, they liked to hear were the stories by A.A.Milne of Winnie the Pooh. Two of my favorite characters were Tigger and Eeyore. Tigger was self-confident, a tad egotistical, and tackled everything with abounding enthusiasm. On the other hand, Eeyore walked around with his head hung low, muttering his gloomy thoughts. But he was a plugger. It may take him a while and several attempts to do something, but he always completed the task in the end.
Today's verse talks about humbling ourselves before God. Recognizing the place God has for us in his kingdom and accepting that he is in control. In some ways, we should be both an Eeyore and a Tigger. Like Tigger, we can be self-confident in the things God asks us to do. We can act with enthusiasm, knowing that he will not ask us to do something and then let us fail. Like Eeyore, we need to be tenacious. At times the going may be challenging, and it may take a few attempts before achieving success. Unlike Eeyore, God doesn't want us to walk around with our heads hung low in gloomy thoughts. Otherwise, we can be a bit like the Pharisees in Matthew 6:2, becoming guilty of doing them for show.
God, we give you thanks for humility. In humbling ourselves to you, we experience joy. It is not a hardship but an offer to grow in our relationship with you. It is not giving of ourselves but accepting a great gift. Please help us embrace your will with enthusiasm and confidence. Let our attitudes be acceptable to you. Mold us and make us into what you want us to be. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Blessings!.
Pastor Tim
What is God asking you to do today? How do you need to humble yourself? What is standing in your way?
