A Humble Heart

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” Psalm 25:9

Let’s just face it - nobody likes to be told what to do. This truth rears its ugly head at about age two…if not sooner. It is human nature to want to make our own decisions and have things our own way. It is just not in our nature to stop and ask for permission or help. The first step, then, to making wise decisions might just be in admitting that we need guidance.

At some point, we must all grow up. We have got to quit stomping our foot and saying, “My way,” and begin to bow our knees and declare, “Your way, Lord.” There is a biblical word for this posture in life. It is called humility, and nothing pleases the Lord more than a humble heart. Throughout Scripture we see that God delights in a humble heart. As much as He opposes pride, He rewards humility. And in Psalm 25:9 we see that humility is rewarded with God’s guidance and wisdom.

God wants us to know His will. He wants us to make the best decisions according to His plan. But He will not force us to come to Him for guidance. If we want to do things our own way, most of the time He will let us. He will let us learn the hard way that His ways are better than our own. If we do not humble ourselves, He will allow our circumstances to do it for us. Either way, we end up bowing before Him.

Why would we choose the harder road to humility? Why not humble ourselves before God and admit that we need His guidance, rather than trying it our own way and failing? We are better off asking the Lord to guide our steps rather than to correct our mistakes.

God, thank You for Your endless grace when I mess up. Today I choose to humble myself before You and admit that I need your help. Please guide me in what is right and teach me Your ways. Amen.