Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
I think I have always equated humility with misery - that to be humble is to be torn down. Maybe if I'm miserable enough, I can remember my low place. Maybe if I feel badly enough about myself, then I won't succumb to the sin of pride.
This couldn't be further from the truth.
True humility is rewarded. True humility brings joy. True humility is exalted by God Himself.
How can it be that through the honest acceptance of my low position I can be lifted to the highest place of all? It's one of those weird truths. In order to live, I must die. In order to receive, I must give. In order to be first, I must be last.
Somehow along the way, I've twisted my thinking - that if I feel rotten, I must be on the right track.
Lord, You are all about joy. How did I get it in my head that You want me to be miserable? in truth, You long to lift me up. You want to fill me with inexplicable peace and contentment. You love to see me smile. Forgive me for chasing the sadness in hopes of finding humility - for knocking myself down because I thought You wanted me there. Make me a man of humility who understands his place - standing at the top next to the Greatest One of all.