Godly Humility (Psalm 30)

When we become proud, what does God teach us? Let’s look at Psalm 30.

Who lifted us out of the depths, rescued us from the grave where our enemies could gloat over us?

I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. (Ps 30:1-3 NIV)

Do we sing praises to God? Do we give thanks to God?

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Ps 30:4-5 NKJV)

When we prosper, do we become self-reliant? Does God turn away from us?

When I was prosperous, I said, “Nothing can stop me now!” Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered. (Ps 30:6-7 NLT)

When God turns away, is His purpose to teach us to rely on Him not our worldly resources?

I cried to you, Yahweh. I made supplication to the Lord: “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth? Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me. Yahweh, be my helper.” (Ps 30:8-10 WEB)

What happens when we learn the lesson and return to relying on God alone?

You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever. (Ps 30:11-12 CEB)

When we allow the resources of the world to make us proud, does God humble us, so that He can bless us again?

In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say, “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he blesses all who are humble with undeserved grace.” (James 4:6 CEV)

When we become proud, what does God teach us? You decide!