January 28: 2 Chronicles 20:1-12

Responding with a PLEA (verse 12)

We acknowledge that we are unable to face the situation on our own and we look in humble faith to God for His help. Have you done this?

One definition of humility is “an act of submission.”

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

James 4:6-10 ESV

Notice that this passage begins with and ends with humility. Humility forms brackets for this section, much like parentheses function in English. What is found inside these brackets fleshes out what God expects from those who will humble themselves. The essence of Biblical humility is submitting ourselves to God. Rather than giving in to the devil, we draw near to God. We repent (turn away from our sin in sincere devotion to God). When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He promises to exalt, lift up, deliver us.

Jehoshaphat and the people reveal their humility by seeking the Lord (v. 4), recognizing their need for God’s help (v. 12), and exhibiting the appropriate posture and attitude (v. 18). Our deepest needs can only be met by God, and we can only receive help from Him when we humble ourselves before Him.

APPLICATION

How do you express humility before God? Can you truly say that you have humbled yourself before God? Submission is an unpleasant and controversial word in our culture. We may still be refusing to fully submit to God and obey Him.

Are you willing to pray: “Lord, I acknowledge Your authority in my life. I admit that so many times in my life, I have not known what to do. I want my eyes to be on you. I surrender myself to you and offer my life a living sacrifice to you. Do with me as You see fit. I trust You completely to lead and guide me in the way that I should go.