Dear lovely reader,
Happy new month! February follows on from January’s word of the month. Practising humility inwardly and outwardly in actions will lift us up in due time. However, it is not always easy to do this as human beings. Over the past few weeks, I have been asking the Lord:
What are the best ways to grow and maintain humility in our hearts and minds?
Then this verse came to mind.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because,
‘God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble’
– 1 Peter 5:5-6
‘Clothe yourselves with humility’ is not a plea but a command from God with the blessing of favour and grace. We put clothes on daily for wherever we’re going. Just as clothes are for our protection as a layer of warmth in this freezing weather, humility is no different.
Humility protects us from pride.
Therefore you and I must learn to put on humility at the start of each new day. Each piece of clothing has purpose, so I hope the few tips I will share throughout this month will drive us all to cultivate humility in our heart, mind and actions.
TIP 1: PRAYER
Prayer is simply talking to God and is one of the best things you can do as soon as you wake up. We rush and are often in a hurry in the morning whether it is to get to school, work or an appointment. However spending the first few minutes thanking God for a new day, your loved ones and asking for all you need displays your gratefulness and humility. This also brings peace which is what we all need.
Praying for a humble heart communicates that you are not relying on your own strength but God’s power to carry you through the day. Asking God to help you to be humble pleases him because:
• God loves to use the meekest (the humble) people to do great things
• Growth in our character is of great importance to God (elevation requires improvement in our character!)
• Keeping his commands shows you love him
We all have free will and it is a choice to pray or not.
However, I believe a prayer of thanks and desire for humility touches God’s heart to mould and change yours. Humility goes hand in hand with prayer and brings forth power and blessings of God.
Just like this one!
“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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”– 2 Chronicles 7:14
God loves and hears prayers from humble hearts.
Here is a prayer to ask God to help us all cultivate humility in our hearts and minds:
Dear God,
Thank you for this day. Thank you for my life and my loved ones. I ask for your forgiveness of my sins committed against you and others. As you forgive me, help me to forgive those that have hurt me and not to be angry or bitter. Guide me to walk in your love, light and kindness towards those around me. Give me all that I need today and show me the right way. Lord I come before you just as I am and ask you to help me to be humble today. Mould and change my heart. May all that I think, say and do reflect true humility. Because you gladly lean to lead the humble help me to leave all my pride.
In Jesus Name, Amen
I hope this encourages you.
God bless you.
From Josie x
Love this Josie! Some really great points here, put together so beautifully. Also, love the addition of the prayer at the end.