Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the high and lofty one
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble,
and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Humility, what a challenging concept in today’s world. God, the Holy One, the One who Is, “dwells in the high and holy place… with those who are contrite and humble in spirit.” The contrast between our all powerful God and the humble ones of this world is practically too great to fit into one concept for the mortal mind. Yet, in light of the Gospel there really is no doubt about the subject. Christ himself in the sermon on the mount said,” Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…Blessed are the meek,for they shall inherit the earth…” Matthew 5:3-5. God loves those the world regards as of no account. God loves us even in the times when we feel as if we were of no account.

There is always a critic in every group or organization. Eventually we adjust to this reality. We don’t like receiving disparaging remarks about our efforts, but we can grow to accept them with grace. The greater challenge lies in our inner critic. I find most Christians are capable of talking ruthlessly to themselves. They would never dream of coming down half as hard on someone else. Worse still, we often replay our failures and pass over our successes as irrelevant.

The balance between humility and self-abnegation is a delicate thing. it is all too easy to confuse one for the other. One of the keys perhaps is to remember that it is God working through us that leads to success. We do not need to be our own worst enemy to avoid pride. Our job is to be vessels that God can use to accomplish His will. Using our God given gifts is not relying upon self. In and of ourselves lies no good thing, but God can use us to do great things.

It is through our dependance that God can use us best. When we feel like quitting we must keep going, despite set-backs. The obstacles of life can teach us more than the level road. Facing difficulties with humility and resolve both can set us on a road that God can use. We know where we want to go. We want to be with the Holy One one day. The pilgrimage is long and dark. When the way is steep and slippery cast your thought on the One who knows exactly where we are and can use us to make His way known to others through us. When we share the Light the path is lit for not only us, but others as well.

Help me humbly hold the Light of Your Word Lord in this dark and lonely place. Amen.