JULY 3 | 2 SAMUEL 7:18-29
- Judy Webb
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Humility and Good Living
by Judy Webb
“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” (2 Samuel 7:18)
How many of us, after examining our life today, could ask the same question of God? With all the years of wondering and rejecting God’s way, how have I now earned the blessings and mercy you provide? Again, I must remind myself, I haven’t earned anything. This is God’s grace, not because of anything we have done! Isn’t this a difficult concept to understand?
King David ‘s humble words come from a heart that knows and admits these faults and failures. Reading David’s writing we see how often he turns to God in humble repentance. We also witness his human side evolving. We can watch how David grows in love and grace. We too can mature in our lives as well.
We read a similar verse in 1 Chronicles 17:16. “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” We can discover many more verses like this, spoken by other patriarchs over the centuries. This illustrates to us that humility is a key character quality of sound leaders.
“Jacob prayed…” I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant.” (Genesis 32:10). Jacob prayed this prayer as he was anticipating a meeting with his estranged brother, Esau. Jacob expected to be rejected by his brother, but God had another purpose for this meeting. Humility can change hearts and minds.
“Humility is the fear of the Lord, its wages are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) The humble servant will be exalted in due time. Nothing good is gained by a prideful and braggadocios spirit. Humility draws people to us, they want to hear our story and understand how valuable a humble and contrite heart can be.
There are many verses directing us toward humility. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) David was a humble shepherd who became a humble King and servant of God. We should attain to a humble life such as this:
H= honest
U= unpretentious
M= modest
B= believable
L= loving
E= earthy (down to earth)
PRAYER
Jesus, there are times when I am anything but humble. Reveal those times to me and show me how to change. I know that I don't deserve your love and forgiveness, but I humbly ask for it. I want to be more like King David and like Paul...humble servants everyday. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Thank you, Judy. For encouraging by God's word. For leading by His grace.
Amen, and thank you for taking the time to write this reflection.