A REALISTIC VIEW OF OURSELVES

A humble life is grounded in a realistic view of ourselves.  A humble person is not someone who feels inferior but someone who is overwhelmed by the undeserved goodness of God. 

We believe that God cares, therefore we no longer need to hide behind either too much self-confidence, or the burden of self-doubt.  Our security rests in the safety of God’s acceptance and unconditional love for us. 

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. 

Psalm 139:23-24

An attitude of humility allows us to accept our dependence on God and follow His direction.  In humility, we listen to God's warning signals and turn away from any familiar path that is harmful.  We put our hand in the hand of God and allow Him to lead us along an unfamiliar path. 

Humility helps us to lay down every known thing that hinders our way forward.  We unreservedly choose to embrace God’s ways as recorded in the Bible.  These actions ultimately lead us to fullness of life.

My child, pay attention to what I say.  Listen carefully to my words.  Don’t lose sight of them.  Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:20-23

Loving God, who created us in love, thank You for Your invitation to us to come to You for rest.  We know that peace in our hearts will come quietly to us when we trust in Your goodness, respond to Your invitation, and humbly put ourselves into Your care. 

And so we come again into Your presence today asking You to investigate our lives, showing us what’s right and what’s wrong.  Give us a clear picture of ourselves as You know us to be.  Show us the next right steps and give us grace to take them.

Help us to pay close and careful attention to Your words and let them penetrate deep into our hearts.  We want the life and healing You promise when we do.    

Above all else, help us to guard our hearts, our desires and motivations, because of these the course of our life is determined.  Give us the humility to want what You want and let the rest go.   Amen