JULY 14
Psalm 138:6, “For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.”
This psalm is a song of wholehearted thanksgiving and praise by David to the Lord for His steadfast love and faithful answers to prayer. David rejoices that God’s name and word are exalted and gives thanks for how the Lord has strengthened his soul in past times of trouble. A central truth shines through in verse 6: though God is exalted and glorious, He draws near to the humble and resists the proud.
This theme echoes throughout Scripture. Three times we’re reminded that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). David recognized what these passages make clear: the arrogant set themselves against God and remain distant from Him, while the humble draw His compassionate attention and receive His empowering grace.
“The haughty he knows from afar” (Psalm 138:6) does not suggest that God is unaware of them. As the all-knowing, sovereign Lord, He sees all. But it means that the proud, by their own inflated self-importance, have placed themselves in opposition to God. In their independence, they hold Him at a distance—even as they presume they need nothing from Him.
The humble, on the other hand, are those who rightly esteem themselves in light of God’s holiness and their own need. Unlike the Pharisee who exalted himself in prayer and praised his own righteousness, the humble cry out like the tax collector: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” To these, God gives His regard. He hears from heaven and meets them with mercy and grace.
This truth has challenged and comforted me personally. In difficult seasons, especially when pride tempts me to rely on my own strength, God has met me at my point of desperation when I’ve come before Him in humility, admitting my need. Though He be holy and we be lowly, He delights, by the riches of His grace and mercy, in bridging that gap!
“The proud man has no God; the humble man has nothing but God.” — A.W. Tozer
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: In what areas of your life do you struggle with a prideful independence that might hinder the working of the grace of God? Take time to honestly examine your heart. Where is God inviting you to humble yourself and trust Him more fully?
LookingtoJesus 