Humility out of Dependence

I've been a Steven Curtis Chapman fan ever since I arrived at Liberty in 1992. One of my favorite SCC songs is "Declaration of Dependence." For one, it's got a catchy little hook but more important it's a reminder of our absolute dependence on Christ for everything. I know, nothing you've never heard before.

My reading this morning took me to the 123rd Psalm. Psalm 123 is one of the fifteen Psalms (120-134) identified as "Songs of Ascent." Traditionally, these songs were sung by Israelite pilgrims as they approached Jerusalem at the scheduled Feast times. This particular Psalm is a cry for God's mercy (also translated grace & favor). The pilgrim is crying out to God on behalf of the nation seeking His merciful provision or relief from the continual taunts of the proud & arrogant (neighboring nations). One commentator describes how that Israel's neighbors who worshiped false gods would constantly hurl insults at God's people. They did this because they appeared to be prospering while Israel struggled. Israel knew the promises that God had made to their forefathers and they desperately wanted Him to bring it to pass. It's a wonderful Psalm with which I can relate because I too run to God when I get beat down by the words and actions of others.

However, this morning what struck me most was the picture used to describe the relationship between the pilgrim and God. The Psalmist said that he looked to God like "the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master." I so often get backward in how I see myself in relation to God. I get caught up in the blessing of being adopted into God's family, having become an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ having forgotten that I have never brought anything whatsoever to God's table. At best, I have always been helpless and I remain so. Apart from Jesus, he tells me, I can do nothing. I have nothing to offer but what He gives me. I, like the pilgrim of Psalm 123, look to my God as a slave looks to his Master in complete dependence. This humbles me. Notice that I didn't say "I'm humble." In fact, more often than not, I'm as proud and arrogant as Israel's enemies. God's word and it's ability to remind me that I am absolutely without hope apart from the God who loves me...humbles me.

Here's the really great thing about God being your master and you being completely helpless; you are absolutely depending on the One who never acts apart from your best interest. He does hear your cries. He does see your hurts. He does know your weakness. He will always give you all you need to accomplish His purposes in and through you.

Keep going pilgrim.