AL'S ANALYSIS

What Does Being Humble Mean?
by Al Menconi for Christian Activities
12/1/2005

Carlsbad, CA - Since the disaster of September 11, many Christians have quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 as if it were a mantra: "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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

While this verse was intended for Israel and doesn't apply to our nation or situation, there is a principle of humbling ourselves that applies to all. How does one go about humbling himself?

As I began to ruminate on this question, it wasn't long before I realized that best instruction on humility comes from David, the man after God's heart and His song leader. The following verses from the book of Psalms are just a few that show David's humility and dependence on God. I believe if we incorporate these attitudes and principles in honest prayer, we too will begin to understand what it means to humble ourselves before God. Here's what I learned:

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4+5 * God's Word is true and our guide.

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7 (My personal favorite.) * I need to depend on God for my strength. Singing in my heart makes my heart leap!

"Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me." Psalm 40:11 * God's love and truth is my protection.

"O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." Psalm 41:4 * Sin in my life is against Him, and I need His healing.

"Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I call to you all day long." Psalm 86:3 * Because I understand that He is my hope, I will constantly turn to Him.

"In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." Psalm 86:7 * I can turn to God in my time of need and He will hear me. "Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live." Psalm 116:2 * I don't have to worry that I am bothering Him when I call on Him. I know He wants to hear from me because he turned His ear my way.

"Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed." Psalm 119:133-136 * I will look to God for direction and won't allow sin to rule in my life. My heart is broken when I see sin in my life and in others.

"I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy." Psalm 142:1 * I will let others know of my need for God's mercy.

"O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief." Psalm 143:1 * God's mercy, faithfulness, and righteousness bring me peace.

From our archives 12/1/1