Ordinary Time

Pause

Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended…Great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22–23

Listen

Let all the earth’s rulers give thanks to you, Lord, when they hear what you say. Let them sing about the Lord’s ways because the Lord’s glory is so great! Even though the Lord is high, he can still see the lowly, but God keeps his distance from the arrogant.

Psalm 138:4-6

Think

Arrogance can be an easy trap for those who have influence and power or who are popular. If they are not careful, they can begin to believe that their position is a self-earned right. Without humility, they distance themselves from the fundamental truth that God is close to the humble at heart. God sees and knows all of us. Whether we are popular or feel unseen, God desires to be in relationship with us.

In the family of God, it’s not about high positions or popularity, but rather our hearts. Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:4 that those “who humble themselves like [a] little child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” As a child recognizes they are dependent and in need of care, safety, and love, we too need to recognize we are ultimately dependent on God, the creator and sustainer of all things.

Whether we are in a position that is recognized by the crowd or not, God is faithful to be close to those who humble themselves.

Amy Richards

Question to Ponder:

In what ways do you humble yourself before God?

Pray

God, I thank you today for breath and for a new day to begin again. Thank you for loving me as a faithful and loving parent, caring for my needs and for my heart. Help me to put my trust in you. Amen.

Go

Go into the world today knowing that you are a child of God. God goes before you, Christ is within you, and the Holy Spirit will guide you. God is faithful, and God’s love for you never ends.