Dear pride,
You have hid yourself in the shadows of my mind. You have disguised yourself, shifting forms each season, year after year. You’ve built concrete walls around my heart, keeping people at a distance. What I didn’t realize, was that these concrete walls only allowed Jesus to partially enter. You said it’s okay to give Him this part of my life, and that part, but this one thing, we’re keeping for ourselves.
The Lord has shown His light on you, the pain you have caused throughout my life, and you are no longer welcome.
you’ve kept me quiet
you’ve caused me to react in defense rather than receive in graciousness
you are seeker of self promotion instead of Kingdom glorifying
you’ve silenced vulnerability and the freedom that comes with it
you cultivate bitterness where there should be joy
you’ve kept me from comforting others and accepting comfort
you don’t keep me warm at night but because I’ve fallen asleep with you, anger burns within.
you’ve held back servanthood
you’ve instilled deep doubt and fear
you’ve fed endless lies creating false harmony
your closest friend is loneliness.
You are not of God.
You have no authority of who I am in Him.
I have a new friend.
Her name is humility.
“God opposed the proud but gives grace to the humble” 1 Peter 5:5
“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” Psalm 149: 4
She is kind, full of wisdom and meekness.
She empowers outside of self, and shines light into others.
She is welcomed.
Jesus displayed the ultimate act of humility in coming to earth in human form and dying for us. He did not see himself above those who were crucifying him. He did not self promote, or show bitterness towards his father when asked to sacrifice his own life for the sins of others. He served, and loved, knowing his destiny.
“And being found in human form he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8
Pride, you will try to sneak back into the corners of my mind and tempt me, but I know the truth of the word. The Holy Spirit dwells within me, and you do not have a foothold. I am human and will need to choose everyday. Even in a moment of weakness if I bow to you, I am a daughter of a forgiving Father. I will continue to turn toward humility.
Goodbye pride.
With no regrets,
Courtney
Reflective Question:
What patterns do you need to say goodbye to?
