1 Peter 5: 5-7
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
English: Joseph made ruler in Egypt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Humility is a grace that most of us would prefer to admire from a distance. The cloak of humility is a difficult one to bear, because it is worn by those who are in many ways isolated; who dwell beneath the tents of pomp and circumstance and are content to dwell there. But the word as it is used in verse 6 is a command: “Humble yourselves.” The instruction is to not make oneself humble under this world’s system that stokes pride. Rather we are to humble ourselves under “the mighty hand of God.” So how is this different?
Humbling ourselves beneath the hand of God is different from being broken by the world because God is just. He does not leave us forever broken, or as the words “humble yourself” mean: He does not depress, humiliate (in condition or heart) :- abase or bring low, forever. (Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary). He does not leave us forever depressed or cast down, but in “due time” He will elevate us. He will lift us up. “Due time” means: “an occasion, i.e. set or proper time, always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while.” (Strong’s).
So when we choose to have a humble heart or condition under the mighty hand of God, we do so knowing that the Lord already has a fixed date or time to raise us up out of our depressed state or circumstances. Joseph is a good example of this: He was sold by his brothers into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned for over a decade, and forgotten. When the season or appointed opportunity came for Joseph’s deliverance, the Lord raised him up from the depths of an Egyptian jail to the right hand of Pharaoh.
Joseph endured his abased circumstances, and remained faithful to the Lord. He was the best steward in Potiphar’s household. He was faithful as a prisoner, and was put in a position of authority there. He did not use his chains as an excuse to be less that what the Lord had gifted him to be. He continued to bless others, and in the process was given opportunities and skills that would serve him as Vice President of Egypt. Joseph humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, Who had an appointed time designed whereby He would elevate His faithful servant.
English: “Humble You” by Joseph Masila – Tingatinga art (39x62cm), Acrylic on canvas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What about you, dear reader. Are you struggling with bitterness over betrayal by loved ones. Are you suffering wrongly for something that you have not done. To be sure, these circumstances are grievous, but do not use them as an occasion for self pity and revenge. Pray to the Lord to show you what to do while in your humble circumstances. and how to do it well. You see, it is possible to have a haughty spirit in the midst of humble circumstances. But that is a fool’s posture, because “God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be opposed by God, Who is all powerful.
If you are struggling with your humble circumstances, cry out to the Lord for deliverance. Do your duty as unto the Lord, knowing that there is a time appointed for your deliverance.
Be a blessing to someone today.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Verneda
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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