Maybe weakness isn’t so bad after all…Certainly not if in our weakness, we submit & surrender to God. I can look back on so many times in my life, when I had started to feel a little “too good” about myself. It was usually, also about that same time, that I would end up doing something really foolish.
_______________________________________
odb.org
Dwight L. Moody said, “When a man thinks he has got a good deal of strength, and is self-confident, you may look for his downfall. It may be years before it comes to light, but it is already commenced.” This was true of King Uzziah.
________________________________________
As I get older, I become increasingly aware of different things I have relied on & took pride in; more than I ought to have. I know that this is not pleasing to God.
I know most of us want to feel good about ourselves. However, often, we do not go about it in the right way. Often I’ve found myself trying to make up for putting myself down or for my various insecurities by “building myself up”.
However, I’m finding more and more that lasting fulfillment, joy, & true security does not come from such efforts. I was made to glorify my Creator, not myself or any of God’s other creations.
When I focus on “building myself up,” I’m focusing too much on self & pride; not enough on God & others. Also, as mentioned many times in God’s Word, this approach only leads to destruction; the very opposite of the intent. Excessive self pride is a major pitfall.
_______________________
For example, I didn’t realize how much pride I had wrapped up in my own physical strength, until I started noticing a decline. I’ve experienced so much frustration over this, because I’ve always prided myself in being independent & being able to accomplish a lot, with enough determination & sweat.
However, often I also used to waste a lot of effort & energy in getting all “gung-ho.” I’d usually find the hardest way to do something & put way too much effort in the wrong things. I also would often find myself running in circles; “spinning my wheels,” trying soooo hard to make things work the way I thought they should.
Now, I’m more aware that I simply don’t have the energy to waste on such things. I know that I MUST depend on God & His strength, wisdom, & direction. (Which really, I’ve needed to do all along; it’s just more obvious now!! =-) ) It’s good that I automatically tend more to stop & pray 1st before I do something, because I know it’s better to do it right the 1st time!! I no longer have the energy, stamina, patience, or time to be re-doing things over & over or trying to correct huge blunders!!
______________________
“When God gives us success in any area of our lives, let’s not forget the Source of our success. May we choose humility, for God gives grace to the humble.” –Marvin Williams, ODB
______________________
“God lifts us high when we choose to live low.”
____________________
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” —Romans 12:3
Journaling For Jesus 