Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. – 1 Peter 5:6
It was Goliath who stood tall, literally and figuratively, against Saul and his army, pridefully claiming his unmatched power and strength, and defying the God of Israel. However, it was David, the small shepherd boy, who would be the conqueror. He came in humility but with confidence that “the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel” would deliver victory over Goliath so that “all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 18:41-47).
God does oppose the proud, but He will give grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). The apostle Peter told these young believers who were persecuted for their faith to become submissive to God and to other believers. He wanted them to understand that God’s way of strengthening them, purifying, and training them was sometimes under pressure they were not able to withstand by themselves.
Submitting to God is an act of faith. You can trust Him to direct your life, work out His purposes in your life, and take care of your burdens in this life. His mighty hand covers you. And, not unlike David who was anointed and became a conqueror at a young age yet did not become king for years, the Lord will take care of you and bring you through your trials in due time. “Cast all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you” (v. 7).
Pray now for those in government whose faith is true, that God will uphold them by His mighty hand. Then, as you submit to the Lord, ask Him to make you a light to those around you, proclaiming God, the Lord of hosts, your strong Deliverer.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 5:4-11
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
