Scorn For The Scornful, Grace For The Humble
Set down lightly, let grace give the true reading
Devotional Credit, Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit, Unsplash
There is a clear theme running through Bob Hoekstra’s reflection. God pours out grace upon those who walk low before Him, and He opposes the posture of pride. Proverbs says it plainly, surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The Lord is not harsh or petty. He is holy and kind. He refuses to endorse arrogance, and He delights to draw near to the one who bows the heart.
This lands close to home. Most of us are not openly mocking God. Yet pride can wear a churchgoing smile. It shows up as self-importance, defensiveness, or a quiet demand to be treated as superior. Scripture calls that the path to a fall. The Lord loves us too much to leave us there.
Grace meets us in another way. Humility is not groveling. It is agreeing with God about reality. Jesus is Lord. I am in Him. His life is my life. I do not have to defend my image. I can prefer others. I can receive correction. I can rejoice when unnoticed. This is not personality polish. This is the Holy Spirit forming the lowly heart of the Son within us.
Thank you, Bob Hoekstra, for pointing us back to the simple way. The Lord regards the lowly. He gives more grace. As we take the low place, we discover that He is already there, lifting, supplying, and shaping us into the likeness of Jesus.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I give grace to the humble. I draw near to the lowly in spirit. I look to the one who is humble and contrite, who trembles at My word. I set Myself against pride, for it exalts the self that must not rule you. I invite you to put on the mind that was in My Son, considering others, laying aside vain glory, choosing the servant path. I work in you to will and to do what pleases Me, so that your gentleness and patience are not a performance, but the life of Jesus expressed within you.
Reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to Me in the Messiah. Christ lives in you. I clothe you in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. I dwell with the one of a low and contrite spirit, to revive the heart that leans upon Me. The tax collector who cried for mercy went home right with Me rather than the one who trusted in himself. What do I require but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Me. In lowliness, bear with one another in love. My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, humble yourselves under My mighty hand, casting all your cares on Me, for I care for you.
When you face the moment of insult or neglect, remember, I have placed the hope of glory within you. Abide in My Son. Apart from Him you can do nothing, but in Him you will bear the fruit that remains. Think with sober judgment according to the measure of faith I have assigned. I guide the humble in what is right. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and I will form His lowliness in your words, reactions, and choices today.
Real-Life Analogy
Picture a kitchen scale on the counter. If you slam a bowl onto it, the numbers jump and wobble. If you set the bowl down lightly, the reading settles quickly and truly. Pride lands hard, and everything wobbles. Humility sets things down gently, and truth comes into view. In real life, this is the Spirit of Jesus expressing His calm within you. During a staff meeting, a sharp comment comes your way. Instead of bracing and managing the moment by replaying your worth, turn inward to the One who lives in you, and quietly say, Lord, I rely on You to express lowliness and clear speech through me right here, let Your steadiness shape my response. Then answer simply, without edge, and move on. This is not passivity. It is trust that allows Jesus to be seen.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I am already seated with You, and Your Spirit lives in me. You give more grace. You regard the lowly. You have provided all I need for life and godliness. Today I gladly take the low place with Your Son. I reckon myself dead to self-importance and alive to You. I receive Your grace to think with a sober mind, to prefer others, and to answer gently. Express the humility of Jesus through my conversations, my decisions, and my quiet work. I rest in Your care and rejoice that Your grace is sufficient.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5-7; Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2; Philippians 2:3-8; Philippians 2:13; Romans 6:11; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:12-15; Luke 18:9-14; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Colossians 1:27; John 15:4-5; Romans 12:3; Psalm 25:9