The Discipline of Humility

"...Concerning the words which you have heard - because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke...and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you..." (2 Kings 22:18-19)

There is an interesting phenomenon that I have noticed in Scripture: When people humble themselves - God responds! It doesn't seem to matter what has already been spoken either. God seems to be moved when our hearts have been moved toward Him.

This phenomenon is very noticeable in the Old Testament. God puts a word in the mouth of a prophet - it is spoken - the recipient hears the word and humbles themselves - God honors their humility. This is true in the life of David, Hezekiah, Josiah, and countless others who found themselves at a pivotal point in their history.

David - he may have lost a child but he didn't lose his life or kingdom. [2 Samuel 12]

Hezekiah - not only did he not die but God added 15 years to his life [2 Kings 20]

Josiah - When the book of the Law was found and read, Josiah tore his clothes and responded to God's Word. God saved Josiah from seeing the destruction [2 Kings 22]

These are just a few of the instances that are found in Scripture where God responds to the humble heart. But this shouldn't surprise us. God has already told us that the sacrifices of a broken and contrite heart, He would not despise. We are also told in the Word to humble ourselves in the sight of God and He will lift us up in due time. Humility is a key that unlocks mercy's potential in our life. However, humility is a discipline.

For some people, humility is easy due to their nature. I have known humble people in my lifetime and have always been touched by how they esteem others before themselves. In fact, I often find myself thinking how wonderful it would be to walk in that type of humility. For me...humility isn't natural. I must choose to humble myself and every time I do - God's mercy has been available.

Please understand that God's mercy is always available. The Bible actually teaches us that God delights in it. That's right...God delights in it! I truly believe that God is more eager to give mercy to us that we are ready to receive it. Why? Because humility isn't an easy thing.

Listen to the Word of God through the prophet Micah: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

Although there may be times that I will have to walk in the consequences of my sin, it doesn't mean that I have to live in sin. Unfortunately, too many of us continue in the sin because we are bearing the consequence. It doesn't have to be you! Humble yourself before God - confess it - agree with God about your sin - and He will forgive you completely.

Has God been speaking to you about something recently? HUMBLE YOURSELF
Has God been trying to do a particular work in your life? HUMBLE YOURSELF
Is God leading you down a path that you have never walked before? HUMBLE YOURSELF
You will find that when you relinquish control - when you choose to walk in humility - when you choose to "lose" in a certain area of life so that you can make way for God to work - He works! That is why the key to REVIVAL in the church and SPIRITUAL AWAKENING in the land is linked to humility: "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)