Today’s devotional was inspired by words from my Pastor and by Philippians 4:6-9.

The pastor was preaching about humility, and something he said struck me so deep.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but to think of yourself less”. A quote from Rick Warren, the author of A Purpose Driven Life.

And this passage:

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ~Philippians 4:6-9

No doubt a powerful message, and often one that I have a hard time embracing. If you are a believer, then you know the enemy craves to see our weakness. Heck, even if you are new to the Word of God, then ponder the last couple of lines (8-9) from the above passage and compare the opposite of each word the Apostle Paul uses to describe that which belongs to the God of peace:

• True v. False
• Honorable v. Crooked
• Pure v. Impure
• Lovely v. Unpleasant
• Commendable v. Unworthy

Top this off with the fact that insecure is the opposite of secure. In short, God is telling us that we ARE secure in Him. The enemy, in comparison, wants us to have a false sense of self. Insecurities force us to be hyper-focused on parts of ourselves with discontent. It’s not our calling to prove ourselves. Period. We are not called to be more than what the Father created us to be. We each have spiritual gifts (see Eph 4:11-13). Not only that, but we can also grow in faith and love, in humility, in service, and in kindness. But worrying about anything above and beyond that is in the periphery. We have to think of ourselves less. Stay focused on the Lord. “Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Peace to you, friends. Amen.