God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble

A friend reminded me of a passage of scripture in James about pride that seemed relevant. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Pride is inherently opposed to God because it claims that are better at running the universe than He is.

But here's how we can deal with pride:

"Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."

We have to resist our innate desire to have our own way, and instead submit to the kingship of God in our lives!

It continues:

"Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded! Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom"

We can't serve two masters—we have to repent and trust God alone. He will purify our hearts.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of Adonai, and He shall lift you up."
—James 4:6–10

As we humble ourselves, not demanding our own way. By trusting that God's ways are best, we embrace the fact that He will give us exactly what we need to follow Him in this life.

And His ways are always better than the path we create for ourselves. He gives us strength to overcome the ways we miss the mark. He restores our soul and offers deliverance from the things that keep us stuck.

May you recognize and let go of the pride of thinking your way is best.

May you repent of your unbelief in the king of the universe.

And may you grow into a life of trusting faithfulness filled with God's shalom.