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 NIV
Humbling Ourselves
Canadians are proud of our humility. That is what we tell ourselves at any rate, and we particularly like to think of ourselves as far more humble than our neighbours to our immediate south. A survey of a large sample of both Canadians and Americans found residents of both countries strongly believe that their personalities differ based on nationality. But the actual traits of Americans and Canadians weren’t measurably different, and those traits didn’t match the stereotypes assigned to them.
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In a world that celebrates doing things “my way” it is difficult to recognize our own lack, our own need. One of the most challenging things to do as a human being, taught since we were children to be self-sufficient, is to humble ourselves. We find it difficult in human relationships. We also find it difficult when it comes to our relationship with our Creator. For many, it takes being as low as a human being can go before finally turning to God. Those who have nothing left find it easier to turn to God, having found nothing else, or no one else who can help. But we don’t need to get there before we humble ourselves before the God who created us and loves us. Back in 2 Chronicles 7:14 we read: “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.” No matter where you find yourself today, God calls you to humble yourself before God and turn from your sin to Jesus.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley