Growing up, I remember not having much. Never the nicest clothes, never the nicest shoes, never the nicest anything. My loving mother worked hard to provide all we did have, but as a child, we never quite understood the significance of her sacrifice. Because of that there were many days where I felt low. Days where I felt lower than low because of what we didn’t have. Looking back, those low days cultivated other qualities that I am only now coming to understand fully. While reading Proverbs 11, the scripture spoke to me that there are lessons in being low. Low days can bring:
* God's Wisdom (Proverbs 11:2, below) – Someone who is struggling knows intimately what it feels like to struggle. They have an insight to tough times that is genuine and can possibly understand the situation enough to provide possible solutions for others. They can approach things as God would, empathizing with the person in need while discerning potential obstacles.
* God’s Respect (Psalm 138:6, below) – God’s RESPECT? Wow. Someone who is having a low day, moment, season is respected by God! This is a powerful concept. Respect can mean to be esteemed, but it also means to be considered (www.dictionary.com). God in his glory, looks on those who are low as perfect candidates for His grace and fellowship. His hand stretches out to them, acknowledging his concern and considering them for His provision.
* God’s Reward (Luke 14:10-14, below) – This passage in Luke reminds us that God is not about self-glorification. He doesn’t reward degrees, titles, or resumes. He honors humility. The person who humbly learns from their low times is someone who God can exalt and reward. The person most qualified for a feast from God is not the healthiest, but the hungriest.
All this said, in a twisted way, I am now happy for the things that I DIDN’T have growing up. Those low moments have helped me appreciate every opportunity (or piece of clothing or pair of shoes) I have now. Prayerfully, the low days that I experience today continue to bring the same maturity and growth. Every day will not be a bed of roses (cliché, I know, but true). However, there is a lesson in every high and every low. As creatures with good days and bad days, let’s remember that God's wisdom, respect, and reward come when we learn from our low days.
God, I need to trust You more. I think I do sometimes, but I often only trust You with things that are easy. Please let my faith explode enough to trust You in the low times. The times when all hope seems gone and the fight seems lost. At those low points, I want and need to trust You more. Please forgive me for times I have not done this. Remind me and all of us that there are lessons in the pain we go through. As we mature as Christians, we will see that You respect and reward us when we surrender all to you.
Digging,
j.a.g.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Psalm 138:6 - Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Luke 14:10-14 - 10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 12Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. 13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
