Pride

I've been thinking a lot about that verse from Psalms I read a couple of days ago:

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat —  for he grants sleep to those he loves." (Psalms 127:2 NIV)

It really reminds me to look to God for direction in my daily tasks.  And I was indeed granted a good night's sleep last night, and I am grateful.  

Today I realized something else.  Part of why I worry so much and work so hard is that I'm afraid I'll fail if I don't, and I don't want to be humiliated.  I think the public "failing" I experienced recently was indeed a blessing on so many levels.  One of them was to keep me humble.  These verses come to mind:

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV)

"The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts." (Isaiah 57:15 - Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.)

I know I was becoming prideful, and I'm grateful that God took steps to wake me up about that!  I want my life to be one of those holy places with a contrite and humble spirit!

The second thing that came from my "failing" was an increase in support from those around me and increased camaraderie!  I am reminded of a quote: 

"It is weakness, not strength, that binds us to each other and to a Higher Power and somehow gives us the ability to do what we cannot do alone."  (Overeater's Anonymous) 

I am so grateful that when I make a mistake it does not mean that I am no longer of value to anyone like my perfectionism tries to tell me!  I've seen many times how my failings make me more approachable and make it easier for people to relate to me. Sometimes I am meant to be a "vessel for dishonor" (Rom 9:21), and I am learning to trust God even in this.

But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?   (Romans 9:20-21 NKJV)

And so far as my new endeavors go, I am taking this verse from Proverbs as my watchword for today:

"Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed, and whoever trusts the Lord will be happy." (Proverbs 16:20 - NCV)

Thank you, Father, for giving me sleep, and that your yoke is indeed easy!  Thank you for protecting me from my tendencies toward pride! Thank you for reminding me to look to you in all things, and for this promise of success and happiness as I trust you and seek to remain humble and teachable.  May I always do so, Father! Amen.