"Perhaps there is no way to discover joy but as surprise ...
The humble live surprised.
The humble live by joy.
The humble are the laid-low and bowed ones,
the surprised ones with hands open to receive whatever He gives ..."
(Selections from One Thousand Gifts)
It seems that God has been drawing me to think on this word recently - humility. The opposite of pride. And so often the pride is what is evident in my life, much more than the humility. It is so easy to live our moments thinking that we deserve good to happen. And we grumble when the difficult happens.
How much better it is to live surprised. To humble ourselves, realizing that in ourselves we do not deserve anything, and therefore, everything is a gift. To live totally trusting our Maker, with open hands to receive whatever He gives. Because He gives only what is good. Only what will draw our hearts closer to Him, and will ultimately bring us, joy.
"Fullness of joy is discovered only in the emptying of will. And I can empty because counting His graces has awakened me to how He cherishes me, holds me, passionately values me. I am full of His love. I can trust. I can let go. Surrender that gives thanks for what is given - this joy!" (Selections from One Thousand Gifts)
"Humble yourselves before the Lord,
and He will lift you up in honor."
(James 4:10 NLT)
"Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love, and whisper surprised thanks." (Selections from One Thousand Gifts)
(Most of what I write about here on this blog comes from what God is teaching me - what I am needing to learn myself. Desiring and needing to learn more - of humility.)
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Sometimes I read something and it really sets me back because it expresses what's been on my mind too. This is one of those things. Thanks, Cherry. You've said what's on my heart.
ReplyDeletebeautiful reminder! thank you!
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