See and Be Glad

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help live in joy.” Psalm 69:32

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7

 My Abba,

I know many people think that being humble means to have a “low estimate of one's own importance.” But I sense there may be a better understanding of humility as I read verses like those in Philippians. Christ did not live the life he did because he was clueless about his status as God and had a low estimate of his importance. He was fully aware of his deity. He had an accurate view of himself.

 He didn’t try to convince people he was less than the Creator of all. But though he acknowledged his station, he did not choose to cling to his privileges. He became a servant to those he created. These thoughts give me a better sense of how to practice humility in my own life.

 I don’t think you want me to live in a state of constant self-deprecation. It has taken me many years to see myself as a valued child of the King. But I do think as I follow Christ, you call me to not grasp at things to which I might think I am entitled.

 When I get a clearer vision of who you are and who I am, I sense I am walking in humility. It is a simple recognition that you are God and I am not. I want to see the beautiful miracles you are performing all around me. I want to give credit where credit is due. I don’t want to miss the splendor of your magnificent handiwork. Please give me a front row seat to watch what you are up to.

 As I see you and me with greater clarity, I become increasingly aware of the truth of us. The reality of our relationship is shocking and captivating at the same time. Your love exposes the lies I have believed about you and me.

Thank you for allowing me to see my God at work and be glad!

I love you,

Mollie

 My child,

There is a simple reason why the humble will see me at work and be glad. When your hands are busy trying to commandeer situations to put yourself first, raise your prestige, point to your achievements and give yourself the credit, you are too busy to notice what my hands are actually doing. Gratitude never has a chance to take root.

 The first step is to actually recognize the gifts I am giving out of my love for you. The next step is to embrace the truth that they are not wages – something you earned and are owed. When you acknowledge that I don’t owe you anything but choose to give relentlessly, then a grateful heart can grow. Nourishing an attitude of gratitude pushes out pride.

 It is not demeaning or degrading to respectfully submit to me. In reality, it will make your heart glad. The world may tell you all submission is soul robbery. That is not true when it comes to submitting to me. I created you to yield to me. I am the only one with perfect plans. No matter how many talents I have given you or how hard you work, you cannot top perfection.

 If you really tune into what I am doing, it will make your heart sing. Watch the amazing ways I work to create life, transform the human heart, redeem pain, change the course of history, bring order from chaos, and beauty from ashes.

 I am God of the Galaxies and beyond. Everything good, perfect, infinite and eternal is from me – including the good in you! Bask in the beauty of my goodness today and live in joy.

 I love you,

Abba

photo: konstanttin