“It is well with my soul…” (Horatio Spafford “When Peace Like a River”)
Do we have the humility to claim that statement?
Pride often prevents us from accepting blessings. Does that sound odd to you? Wouldn’t you think that pride deserves accolades? Pride is boastful, after all, right? Pride puffs up, right? So wouldn’t blessings be more than welcome?
Pride tells us we don’t need any help. Pride says we save ourselves. Pride causes us to worry; it holds on instead of letting go. Pride isn’t strength; it is weakness. Real strength is in humility: knowing limitations.
A good friend of mine says modesty encompasses this. Acknowledging limitations, accepting them-this is being modest, humble. We only “have limited abilities, time, resources…” she says and she’s right. We can only do what we can do. Pride says we are powerful, being modest and humble recognises our human capabilities.
We can’t truthfully say “it is well” if we think we are in control. Can you be content in the storm? When you can’t control the storm?
In reality, our control is limited. Maybe we can control some of our reactions, at least what people see, but how much control do we have over our feelings, instincts…?
When we are slighted, we hurt, we react in some way, fight back or dwell on the feeling.
When we take on too much responsibility, we fail at something. Maybe we can hang on for a while, but eventually, we will drop a few tasks here and there.
It takes modesty to admit we need help. Let me tell you, although pride says we can, we can’t save ourselves. Without God, we are utterly helpless. It takes humility, being humble, to beg the Lord for mercy and grace. Mercy and grace allow us to be at peace in the storm. Mercy and grace allow faith room. Faith says “it is well,” regardless of what comes, God is in control. My faith in my God, my Savior, tells me I can do nothing without Him, without His say. My faith lets me know that whatever comes my way is good for my soul.
Through both peace and sorrow, thank the Lord, it is well with my soul.
OneFourZeroPM 