Our Rock and Refuge
So often the most proud people, the most arrogant and pushy, are those who suffer from low self-esteem. Their arrogance and pride-and total lack of meekness or humility—exist as cover, perhaps even unconsciously, for something lacking inside. What they need is something we all need: a sense of security, of worthiness, of acceptance, especially in times of distress and suffering. We can find that only through the Lord. In short, meekness and humility, far from being attributes of weakness, are often the most powerful manifestation of a soul firmly grounded on the Rock.
Read Psalm 62:1-8. What seems to be the background for this psalm? What points is David making? What spiritual principles can you learn from what he is saying? Most important, how can you learn to apply these principles to your own life?
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"Without cause men will become our enemies. The motives of the people of God will be misinterpreted, not only by the world, but by their own brethren. The Lord's servants will be put in hard places. A mountain will be made of a molehill to justify men in pursuing a selfish, unrighteous course. . . . By misrepresentation these men will be clothed in the dark vestments of dishonesty because circumstances beyond their control made their work perplexing. They will be pointed to as men that cannot be trusted. And this will be done by the members of the church. God's servants must arm themselves with the mind of Christ. They must not expect to escape insult and misjudgment. They will be called enthusiasts and fanatics. But let them not become discouraged. God's hands are on the wheel of His providence, guiding His work to the glory of His name."—Ellen G. White, in Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 370.
How immune are you to the reproaches and barbs of others? Mostly likely not that immune, right? What can you do to better cleave to the Lord, to better anchor your sense of self-worth on the One who loves you so much that He died for your sins and thus help protect yourself against the slights of others?
1 comment:
It is said that sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you. That is so far from the truth. They can hurt as much as physical abuse and difficult to recover from the injury. However, allowing God to heal all hurts can bring one around to peace and understanding. He has our best interests at heart. God is ever our rock and refuge.
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