"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Pet 5:6-7
Humility is not a trait that comes naturally to most people. It only develops as a matter of circumstance or of will. There are many things in life that can drive us to our knees but the least painful distance to the floor is through the path of simple obedience to God.
When you think about pride (placing oneself above others or an over estimate of one's means or merits), there is little good that comes from it. Pride almost necessarily includes the demeaning of others. It shouts, "I do not need anything from anyone and I pull myself up by my own bootstraps." This attitude can find that person alone and without at their greatest time of need and without doubt, that time inevitably comes. What is God to do with or for those who do not want or need Him?
Beloved, God desires that we rely fully upon him. Prov 3:5 reminds us to "Trust in God with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding." Have you ever seen that trust exercise where a person crosses their arms over their chest and falls backwards, relying on someone to catch them? This is the word picture behind trust. A proud person would pad the ground in advance to avoid injury in case "plan A" fails. There is no back up to God. He is absolutely trustworthy and will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever hope or dream. He not only catches us but lifts up. Those who refuse to humble themselves are in danger of being left to their own fallible devices.
Whatever challenge, problem, sorrow, pain or even pleasant expectation of eternity we may have, we must rely fully on Him who made us. Pride can never save you, but God, in His own time, does. This a truly humbling thought.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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