PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Chronicles 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves…” (2 Chronicles 7:19)
I find this call to humility in 7:19 striking in the context.
The author describes the glory and greatness of Solomon and his accomplishments.
He doesn’t just build a ‘house’ for God, but also for Pharaoh’s daughter (8:11).
Solomon is presented as one of the greatest kings of Israel… but is he humble?
The fact that Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter is a warning (see 1 Kings 11:1-3).
It seems worldly success and glory went to his head, and he “turned away” (7:19).
God’s call to humility seems to me to be critical for all of us.
Humility can be described as confidence properly placed – not in ourselves.
It is the honest admission that I am vulnerable and have real weaknesses.
We are not worthless, we have real value before God… but our value is in God.
God has placed his name on us, our value lies in that we are ALL children of God.
We are all God’s glorious temples, and the glory of the Lord fills us (7:2)
When we seek our worth in ourselves or our accomplishments, we undermine this value.
It seems the greater the worldly success, the greater the risk of pride and the need for humility.
PRAYER
Lord, teach me a healthy humility so that I will not think of myself as more or less than I really am.
the challenge to remain faithful and true! Solomon was blest and he was a builder – not only of the temple but also his palace and the fortified and storehouse cities. And then he also set out on the seas to garner more wealth. Was Solomon putting his security in other things? He started out well – fully focused on keeping God first – but was his success deviating him from his devotion and dependence on God. God has blessed me – but have I become comfortable and secure in my ‘assets’ rather than fully committed and dependent on God? I think affluence has a way of doing that. Rather the prayer of Agur comes to mind: “give me neither poverty or riches…otherwise I may have too much and disown you.” [Prov. 30:8, 9]. To have the right relationship with my stuff and with God – that is the balance – and that I believe is faithful and humble stewardship!
God is good. His steadfast love endures forever. I may never turn aside and forsake His Word for that Word gives life and life eternal. I need to live God’s Way each day – living for Jesus – in order to truly live. Happiness is . . . doing the will of my Father. Have Thine own way Lord.
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me
after thy will,
while I am waiting,
yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being
absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit
till all shall see
Christ only, always,
living in me!