Transformed by Truth: The Majesty and Humility of God Psalm 138:6
Introduction
Today, we dive into the rich and profound depths of Psalm 138:6, a verse that encapsulates the paradox of God’s majesty and humility. Our focus is on understanding how the grandeur of God coexists with His closeness to the humble.
Psalm 138:6 (NLT): "Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud."
This verse offers three key insights that we will explore: the greatness of God, His care for the humble, and His distance from the proud. Each point reveals an aspect of God's character and our call to respond to His truth.
Point 1: The Greatness of God
The first part of Psalm 138:6 states, "Though the Lord is great." This phrase emphasizes the majesty and supremacy of God. His greatness is evident throughout Scripture and creation.
Psalm 145:3 (NLT): "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness."
This verse underscores the boundless nature of God’s greatness. It is beyond human comprehension and is a fundamental aspect of His character.
This verse highlights the immeasurable greatness of God. It calls believers to recognize and praise God's infinite power and majesty. The greatness of the Lord is beyond human understanding, emphasizing that our worship should reflect His unparalleled nature.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, "There is no end to the discovery of the greatness of God, it is an unsearchable abyss."
Let this verse remind us to always approach God with reverence and awe, praising Him for His greatness in our daily lives.
Isaiah 40:28 (NLT): "Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding."
Isaiah highlights God’s eternal and infinite nature, reinforcing His unparalleled greatness.
Consider the vastness of the universe. Astronomers estimate that there are over 100 billion galaxies, each containing millions or billions of stars. The sheer scale of creation points to a Creator whose greatness surpasses our wildest imagination.
A.W. Tozer stated, "God is infinite. Beyond the grasp of human reason, He encompasses all things."
Trust in God's everlasting strength and wisdom, especially in times of personal weakness and doubt.
This verse reassures believers of God's eternal existence and unending power. It contrasts human frailty with God's infinite strength and wisdom. God, as the Creator, is omnipotent and omniscient, never experiencing fatigue or limitations.
A.W. Tozer also once said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible—what a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves." Recognizing God's greatness expands our vision and faith.
Reflect on God's greatness in your life. Acknowledge His supremacy in your prayers and daily living. Let His greatness inspire awe and reverence.
Point 2: God’s Care for the Humble
The second part of Psalm 138:6 reveals, "He cares for the humble." Despite His greatness, God’s heart is drawn to those who are humble.
Isaiah 66:2 (NLT): "My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word."
God’s favour rests on the humble, those who recognize their need for Him and live in reverence of His Word.
This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty as Creator and His preference for humility. God values those who approach Him with humility and reverence, acknowledging their dependence on Him.
John Piper reminds us, "God delights in humility because it acknowledges the truth of our dependence on Him."
Cultivate a humble and contrite heart, trembling at God's word and acknowledging His supremacy in all things.
James 4:6 (NLT): "And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
James reiterates that humility attracts God’s grace, a divine favour that empowers and sustains us. James quotes Proverbs 3:34, highlighting a key principle in Christian living: God's opposition to pride and His favour towards humility. This reinforces the importance of humility in receiving God's grace.
Think of a parent who kneels to embrace their child. Despite their authority, the parent’s action signifies love, care, and a desire to connect. Similarly, God’s greatness does not hinder His ability to draw close to the humble.
C.S. Lewis wrote, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less." True humility shifts our focus from self to God and others.
Cultivate humility in your life. Seek to serve others and prioritize their needs. Embrace a posture of dependence on God, knowing that He delights in caring for the humble.
Seek humility in all interactions, understanding that grace flows abundantly to those who are humble.
Point 3: God’s Distance from the Proud
The final part of Psalm 138:6 warns, "But he keeps his distance from the proud." Pride creates a barrier between us and God, hindering our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 16:18 (NLT): "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."
This proverb warns of the perilous path of pride, leading to downfall and separation from God. This proverb serves as a warning about the dangers of pride. It predicts the downfall that often follows a prideful attitude, encouraging believers to remain humble and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance.
Andrew Murray noted, "Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you."
Regularly examine your heart for pride and strive to replace it with humility, acknowledging that pride leads to ruin.
Luke 1:51 (NLT): "His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones."
Mary’s song highlights how God actively opposes the proud, scattering their plans and desires. In Mary's song of praise, she celebrates God's powerful acts and His justice in humbling the proud. This verse illustrates God's active role in opposing pride and uplifting the humble.
Imagine a mountain climber who boasts of their ability to conquer peaks but neglects safety measures. Their pride can lead to disastrous consequences. Similarly, spiritual pride blinds us to our need for God and leads to spiritual peril.
Andrew Murray wrote, "Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you." Pride obstructs our spiritual growth and intimacy with God.
Examine your heart for areas of pride. Confess and repent, asking God to cultivate humility within you. Seek accountability in your spiritual community to stay grounded and humble.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "God stands against the proud but shows grace to the humble."
Reflect on God's justice and mercy, understanding that He actively works to humble the proud and exalt the lowly.
Conclusion
These verses collectively highlight the themes of God's greatness, the value of humility, and the consequences of pride. As believers, we are called to live in awe of God's majesty, cultivate humility, and avoid pride, trusting in God's wisdom and grace.
Psalm 138:6 offers a profound truth: God’s greatness, His care for the humble, and His distance from the proud. As we meditate on these truths, let us:
Acknowledge God’s Greatness: Regularly worship Him for His supreme power and majesty.
Embrace Humility: Cultivate a humble heart, knowing that God favours and blesses the humble. Live humbly, relying on God’s grace and serving others.
Reject Pride: Actively seek to eliminate pride from your life, understanding the dangers it poses to your spiritual well-being. Confess and turn away from pride, seeking a humble heart that draws near to God.
Application and Call to Action
Let us commit to living transformed lives by these truths. As we close, I invite you to reflect on God’s greatness, embrace humility, and renounce pride. May we draw near to God, experiencing His care and favour.
Prayer:
"Lord, we thank You for Your greatness and Your care for the humble. Help us to live humbly, rejecting pride and drawing near to You. Transform our hearts by Your truth, and empower us to live in a way that honours You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
By embracing these principles, we can live lives that reflect the glory and excellence of our Lord. Let us seek to be transformed by His truth daily, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.
