Choosing the Posture of Humility: A Daily Meditation

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When you think about the word “humility,” what comes to mind? Maybe you get it confused with the word “humiliation.” Nobody wants to be humiliated. But being humble comes from a very different place. Taking on a posture of humility before the Lord allows Him to work through us with His power and in His strength, which can accomplish above and beyond what we can even imagine. 

James 4:10 tells us more: 

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”  

James 4:10

Embracing humility involves acknowledging shortcomings and seeking forgiveness, mirroring Jesus’ ultimate humility in fulfilling God’s will. It’s crucial to distinguish between humility and humiliation, with humility rooted in acceptance without arrogance. The Latin root of “humility” links it to the earth, symbolizing a posture of lowering oneself before God.  

The posture of humility looks like surrendering with courage and admitting your need for mercy and help, allowing God’s grace to flow. Humility may not be a popular topic, so invite the Holy Spirit to ready your mind, heart and spirit in expectation of how He will speak to you today. 

We usually don’t want to lower ourselves or submit to anyone else, but the Kingdom of God highly values humility, where it meets pride with resistance but humility with grace. Reflecting on your dependence on God and embracing insignificance leads to empowerment through grace. Maintaining a clear and honest view of ourselves, while also recognizing the importance given to us by God, can unlock your true potential. 

Jesus, You are king, and I fully surrender to You in every area of my life. I realize that on my own, I can do nothing to overcome my mistakes; I confess that I desperately need You in order to conquer what I’m struggling with. I embrace humility and receive your grace and strength right now. Thank You for Your victory and restoration power in my life. You’re so good to me, Lord. Amen. 

Now listen to the 2-minute version of this Abide meditation, “Choosing the Posture of Humility,” based on James 4:10. Let God speak to you about what humility looks like. To hear the full-length version, download the Abide app and start a premium subscription. The longer meditation goes more in depth on the topic and allows you more time to connect with God in this verse. Use this link for 25% off.