There are three passages in scripture (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, and 1 Peter 5:5) that say, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” That means that those who don’t need God, who have it all together, who are able to do it all on their own, are not looked upon favorably by God. Grace is sometimes translated with the word “favor.” God loves to see His children dependant on him. Really, if we get to the point that we feel that way, we really aren’t doing much. It’s when we step out in faith to do something significant that we truly learn about how dependant we are on God’s favor. Sometimes when we feel we don’t need God, He will bring a trial or a contest or a conflict into our lives that will prove again how much we need him. It’s always better to tackle big things, have been dreams, go for the gold and learn how much we need God on the way, than to seek the quiet, reserved, cautious life of trying to make all things comfortable. God cares so much more for our character than our comfort. I have always loved the line Bilbo Baggins gave to Gandalf, when he was challenged to embark on a great mission filled with adventure. He said, “Oh no, no, no! Adventures make one late for dinner.”

It’s in the middle of life’s adventures that we encounter first hand our need for God. It’s not until we truly learn that we can’t do it ourselves. We do not know it all. We cannot manage our life as neatly as we might want to, and we surely can’t make the world around us bend to our wishes, even when it’s for good. God wants us to that point in our lives because it’s there that we truly learn how to draw near to God: That is worship! And it’s at those times God will draw near to us as well.

When the three armies surrounding Judah mustered their forces against the meager army of Jehoshaphat, that’s when he was brought low before the Lord in worship. He knew that he stood no chance against the advanced, well trained, well equipped armies that mustered at the borders of his country. He fell on his knees and said in 2 Chronicles 20:12, “We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We don’t know what to do…” Here is the situation that God brought about to bring Jehoshaphat and his people to worship God. It worked. The next words out of his mouth are in 2 Chronicles 20:12b-13. He says, “We don’t know what to do, BUT we are looking to you (God) for help. All the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children.” Whether you have embarked on a great adventure or are facing a seemingly immovable obstacle, humble yourself before the Lord. Worship is the answer.

Chuck
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”