LEARNING DAILY

1 Peter 5:6-7, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

I wonder if there is not a desire to be significant, to be important in each of us. That desire is probably in different degrees of significance for each of us. For some the need might extend to the point of others being aware of our significance. That desire may not be necessarily wrong. Biblically speaking, it is important to know what God says about seeking this recognition; stop trying so hard to make it happen. Believers are to trust God to exalt them at the time and place He knows is right.

Consider reading Philippians 2. In that chapter you will read when Jesus came to the earth, He made Himself nothing. God came to earth, born in a stable and became a servant to all. When the time was right, the Father elevated Him to the Highest position in all creation. Peter’s writings telling Believers to humble themselves as Jesus did and serve others. Is it because we are afraid of being insignificant, of not being recognized or noticed that we do not do this?

In Scripture humility does not mean weakness or that one hates himself. It means a proper understanding of one’s relationship to God. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” I have heard someone else say, “it is strength under control.” That leads the Believer to submit to God’s sovereignty as He deals with their life. It means trusting God and accepting His will, no matter what He brings into your life. That means “casting all your anxieties on Him.”

For Believers to put this into action, each must first recognize their own weaknesses, limitations, and even their sinful nature. That simply means realizing they are not perfect and in need of God’s constant grace and forgiveness. Each Believer needs to acknowledge their dependence on God’s authority and His strength. What would God be able to do through you if you put the needs and interests of others before your own? That would mean showing kindness, compassion, and the willingness to serve others without seeking praise or recognition. Jesus is the Believer’s example as He was humble in His relationship to others and in the way He showed compassion for the needs of those around Him.

To humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God means to trust in the Lord’s power. It is recognizing that the Believer’s strength comes from Him and not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Psalm 121:2, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Each Believer can choose their response to each trial, temptation, difficulty, that God allows to come their way as he/she walks the narrow way. My prayer is you chose to trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He will take care of you, and you know He gives the grace you need to get through. Yes, His “power is made perfect in [your] weakness." And He will lift you up at the proper time “because He cares for you.”