The Freedom of Humility

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:19)

In his prayer of response to the revelation of God concerning the judgment of Judah and afterwards the Babylonians who would conquer her, the prophet Habakkuk professed his adoration for the LORD. He knew that God was right in rendering judgment for sin. He also knew that God would never break His covenant with Israel. So, Israel would undoubtedly survive the harsh judgment. Therefore, Habakkuk had no reason to complain any further about God’s revealed plans. 

Habakkuk humbled himself by submitting his will to the will of God. When he embraced the truth that God’s ways were the very best ways, his spirit was lifted up and his joy in the LORD was unbounded.  God calls us to exercise our faith in Him by submitting our ways to His ways, even when we don’t fully understand them. 

Probably most of us would hope for a trouble-free life. Sometimes we view our troubles as something strange that shouldn’t occur. However, the Bible gives us a completely different perspective on this. The apostle James tells us that we should rejoice when trouble comes.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2)

James further adds, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

It is inevitable that God’s people will suffer painful trials, but it is through such trials that we spiritually grow to become what God has always intended—to be conformed to the likeness of his Son. (See Romans 8:29.)

Let’s learn a lesson from the apostle Paul, who always rejoiced in the LORD (Philippians 4:4) in spite of having “…great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” (Romans 9:2) Though this might seem paradoxical, both can be true at the same time. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) When you take the long view, you know that even if you may lose a few battles in the near-term, you will most assuredly win the war in the long-term. Praise God!

By Jim Connell

Jim and his wife, Becky, moved from Indiana to Lexington to establish the Lexington Rescue Mission. They have two married children, Laura and Brian.