Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land. . . . Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zeph. 2:3)
She was in her eighties; cancer had claimed a significant part of her nose. She made a wheezing sound with every breath, but what an amazing lady! Her name was Hazel Tatum; she’d outlived every family member, including her son. She’d even caught her husband in her arms as he fell down dead in their yard, a heart attack having seized him. Given these and a multitude of other tragedies, one would think she’d have reason enough to be bitter. Yet, she was perhaps the kindest, most humble woman anyone could ever meet. She’d sit alone in her trailer park home and crochet baby blankets for the local hospital’s NICU.
There’s something to be said about true humility, though false versions run rampant throughout the world. Humility is a sign of tremendous spiritual maturity. Certainly there’s never been a more humble or righteous person to walk this planet than Jesus Christ, God himself. Humility and righteousness are only exhibited by those who walk intimately with the Savior. It is not natural to the flesh to consider oneself less than others.
Zephaniah was calling God’s people to recognize their own shameful behaviors and return to their King because he understood that wrath was coming. So it is today, too, and all believers need to return to and pursue the humble and righteous One, that they may be sheltered in the end.
Be selfless today and don’t tell anyone, or let anyone see, the good you’ve done.
Ginny Mink is a wife and mother of two. She finds great joy in serving the King with the talents He’s given her.
