In our journey to discover how to draw close to God, we come to verse 10 of James 4. “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.”

I believe these words were in response to what the Holy Spirit breathed to James earlier in verse 6. “But He gives us more grace. That is why Scriptures says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James is quoting from Proverbs 3:34.

Being humble does not come from a poor self-image a lack of self-esteem or even a lack of ability. It does come from the admission that I cannot do this on my own. I must have God’s help. Without Him, I can do nothing. But with Him, I can do whatever is put in my path to do.

For some of us, it’s tough to be humble. We were raised to be strong, independent, and self-sufficient. I was raised that it was a sign of weakness to ask help. you will never know how much trouble that has caused me and still does from time to time although I’m learning……sort of.)

The quicker we come to the end of ourselves, the sooner we will enjoy God at work in our lives. This is the favor that Solomon was writing about in Proverbs 3:34. Truth is, the only good thing any of us have to offer this world is God. Without God, there is no good thing in me, or you.

The temptation for me as I write this is to list other things, such as submitting to one another; serving one another; praying for one another; bearing one another’s burdens; treating each person as we desire to be treated as signs of humility. But I sincerely believe as I humble myself before God, and put Him first and foremost, all these things will begin to fall into place. (Check out Matthew 6:33)

Admitting we are weak and need God in our lives is a difficult thing for some. But what a rewarding way to live. When we come to that place, and we ask God for His presence, His help, His wisdom, and His strength, He opens the windows of heaven and pours out His grace and favor.

Being humble does not mean we go around like a 97-pound weakling with a big red “H” on our T-shirt. No, it means we walk confidently, we walk knowing God is walking with us and we walk in faith that through God we will be able to do much because we got out of the way, confessed our need to His help and are following His lead.

One final thought. The command is for “you” to humble yourself. This is not a work of the Spirit. It’s not your pastors’ job, your spouse, or your family. It’s our job. It’s our choice to rely upon God or try and do it for ourselves. I can only speak from my own experiences. Usually those who claim to be self-made show it. Why settle for inferior workmanship when you can have the master craftsman build His Kingdom in you then through you?

Always in Pursuit!

Don