READ: Proverbs 11:2, 17:3, 18:12, 27:21
We’ve seen in the
past two days that what happens in our hearts and emotions (our inner lives!)
can greatly impact us. Here’s the question though – because we’re sometimes SO
complex, or in chaos, how can we even know what’s going on in our hearts?
Praise God, He is the one who knows us AND can show us. Or in the words of
Proverbs, “the crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the
Lord tests hearts” (17:3). One of the most significant prayers we can pray
revolves around the request for God to test our hearts. Of course, this
requires us to trust His goodness! To bare ourselves before Him means that
we’ll trust Him to be as gentle AND firm as He needs to be. We also will need
to trust Him for help in dealing with all that is “unclean”.
When God does
this “testing” upon our invitation, or by His own initiative, what is He
looking for? One of the most common roots to our problems is pride. This is
something He desires to point out and deal with for our own sake. After all,
“when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (11:2).
Is it enjoyable to discover that we still have pride? No. Is it freedom when
realize that such pride does us no good in life? Yes. To have pride dealt with
firmly is one of the most wonderful gifts God can give us.
This verse is used above for a different
thought. Do you want to do that?
Another way that
God tests us for pride is by directing praise our way. Or as Proverbs 27:21 says, “the crucible for
silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.”
For sure, we all need affirmation and praise! However, this same affirmation
can also show us where we think that we’re a bit too special. Oh, how our hearts can wander and go astray! Thank God
that He has a variety of ways to test us. Amen!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Spend
some time inviting God to search your heart for any pride that exists. Confess
any fear you have, about what He might reveal. Remember that He is Good! Then,
confess any pride that you have and ask God to help you walk in humility.
2.
Ask
God in listening prayer where He desires to affirm you. Often when we don’t let
God affirm us, we seek to get this affirmation from others in unhealthy ways. Also
ask Him to show you where the praise of others has led to pride. If possible,
plan some steps to make sure others know that anything that you have succeeded
in has come from the hand of God.
