You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. (Ps. 18:27–28)
Expanded Passage: Psalm 18:24-28
Rising to leadership within our family business, I wanted to establish my authority. Unfortunately, my efforts to do this imposed difficulty on those under my supervision. Worse, I often disregarded advice or input from others, because I was supposed to be in charge. What was burning inside of me was not the light of humility, but the pride of desire to make a name.
King David composed Psalm 18 during the zenith of his reign over Israel. His rise to power could easily have caused him to become prideful. But David also knew what it was like to be brought low and to embrace humility. In response to the prophet Nathan over his dealing with Bathsheba and Uriah, David had repented in humility. In his dancing vulnerably before the Lord, David showed humility. And during the periods of family discord, David postured toward humility.
Despite all the ways pride could have taken root in David, what made him a man after God’s own heart was his willingness to embrace humility. His heart burned for God more than establishing his own name. May we burn for the Lord, and may he turn our darkness of pride into the light of humility—a light that shines beyond ourselves and into the world, bringing the hope of Jesus to those who walk in darkness around us. Let us move from pride to humility.
Let humility fuel the light of God’s presence in your world.
Aaron Golden is a church planter in North Carolina, husband to Leneé, and father to four amazing kids. You can find Aaron most often hanging with family, smoking on his Traeger grill, and boating or paddle surfing.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
