The Importance of Humility in Suffering

During times of uncertainty, disappointment, suffering, and pain, it is easy for our focus to turn inward and off of God. The enemy of our soul wants nothing more than to turn us away from God when we need Him the most. We must fight to keep our eyes off of our circumstances and on the character of God. 

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NASB).

6 how-to’s for walking humbly (using the acrostic for H.U.M.B.L.E.)

1. Holy living – Titus 2:3-4 reminds us to be sensible (sober-minded), placing ourselves under the influence of God alone while avoiding all substitutes or “fillers.”

“…but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16, NASB).

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV).

2. Understand the will of God – We must walk by faith and not sight, seeking to know God and His plan for us.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17, NASB).

3. Mentorship – Remain teachable, allowing God to teach you lessons in the dark season and find someone to invest in your life as a mentor.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:28-29, NASB).

4. Believe the Word – Put your trust in God

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NASB).

5. Live – Seek life beyond the grave with grace and hope instead of fear, putting away envy and bitterness while forgiving others.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” (James 3:16, NASB).

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32, NASB).

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matthew 6:14-15, NASB).

6. Eternal perspective and earnest prayer – these will allow you to rest as you trust God

“Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5, NASB).

Humbling ourselves is not easy but will bring great rewards.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10, NASB).