A Humble Heart

{Daily Selah}

Have you ever thought, "Well, I did a really good thing there" or, "Hmm... Look at me. I guess I'm doing pretty good."

We all have, at least once or twice. 

Did you ever notice that the people in the Bible who really did do good things were those who admitted they couldn't do it on their own. 

The apostle Paul was the greatest missionary who ever lived. After he saw the light (no pun intended) on the road to Damascus), he spread the good news of Jesus Christ wherever he went. But Paul didn't say, "Hey, check this out. Aren't I doing pretty good?"

He, in fact, said the opposite...

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not (Romans 7:18). 

Paul had a humble heart, as did Isaiah. Isaiah was a mouthpiece mightily used of God but he didn't think too highly of himself either...

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away (Isaiah 64:6). 

Peter, who denied Christ 3 times, learned there was nothing good in him either and developed a humble heart. He battled his flesh just like we do. He later realized this all-important truth:

Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time... (1 Peter 5:5-6)

When we realize there is nothing good in us and realize it is only in Christ that we can do anything, that's when God steps in and lifts us up - not for our glory, but for His. Isaiah experienced God's blessing because he had a humble heart ...

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isaiah 57:15). 

It takes a humble heart to see that "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" and that we stand condemned, in need of a Savior. It also takes a humble heart to realize that "in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." And, only a humble heart will be used by God for good things, for His glory. 

A humble heart. 


Father, help us to humble ourselves before You and to be usable for Your glory. Help us to rely on Christ's strength alone and not our own. My Your grace and Your love be evidenced by our humility. In Jesus' Name, amen. 



Daily Selah} is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.