The Sigh of Humility

Have you ever thought much about humility?  If you’re a Christian, I’m pretty sure you have. But have you really thought about what it takes to be truly humble?  To be completely at another’s will, especially our Father God?

Humility is something I’ve been pondering lately as God has been bringing me to my knees.  My family has so many changes in our lives and decisions to be made, stemming from our recent move to a new state.  It’s easy to overlook what change really means to us.  This new place or situation is not only a change in our physical location or circumstance, but it is designed to create change in our spiritual life as well.  

Each situation is crafted by God’s loving hands to form us into Christ’s image.  Each experience or change, offers an opportunity for the removing of dross, and that, as we know, can only be done by fire.  Scripture is filled with examples of trials bringing the Lord’s people to their faces before Him.  “Of course”, we say, “His goal is that every knee should bow before Him.”  Then why are we so surprised at the trial?  Why, oh why, do we balk and grumble when the going gets tougher than we anticipated?

A New View Of Humility

I have realized something telling about humility.  It’s come from my own experience of being humbled, and from observing those around me.  Have you ever noticed that the very act of being humbled takes the breath out of us?  Okay, sounds a bit odd, but bear with me!

Breathe out for second.  Really let the air out of your chest….and don’t take a new breath in for a moment.  Now breathe in and let it out again.  What do you feel?  Release?  Calm?  Peace?  Nice feeling, isn’t it?!  

Have you ever noticed that when you’re humbled by something in your life, you breathe out?  You lower your head.  You may close your eyes or look down.  It’s that ‘breathe out’ that I’m talking about.  Oh, that we would take more time to give in and feel God at work in our lives!  To feel what it really feels to let go of our ‘stuff’.

Pride Gasps For Air

Now, switch views with me.  Allow yourself to think prideful thoughts for a minute.  Those defensive thoughts from a recent argument, or the ones from when you just knew you were right, or best, or deserving.  Now how’s that feel?  Do you feel yourself sucking in air, gasping for that last ‘me’ breath?  Pride causes us to pull back, suck in, hold our chest out – a stance that says, “I won’t give”.

Grace to Live God’s Way

Listen to what these verses have to say.  Gain instruction, gain life!

A man’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor.  Proverbs 29:23

When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2

He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.  Luke 1:51-52

…..and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.  1 Peter 5:5

I want God’s grace.  I want His power in my life.  I want to do my work as unto the Lord.  And the only way I can do this, is to let go.  Stop striving.  Allow Him to humble me by my circumstances.  Learn from Him.

This takes breathing out.  A death to self.  Something my husband reminded me of the other day – we each will take that final breath out when we die!  Humility is a death, a dying to self.  It’s taking that breath out of whatever I’m holding onto.  Letting go of the ‘me’ in the equation and doing all for the glory of God.

Humility offers us peace.  Space away from striving.  A place of rest in the Father’s arms.  Right where I want to be!

Do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.     James 4:5-7