Week 15
1 Peter 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”
Here in our text today we have the answer to every question in life. When we face troubles of various kinds, when sorrow and despair rush upon us as if they were an invading army threatening to undo and crush our hopes, what can we do? What should we do?
The Bible instructs us here in clear tones what must be done in such cases: we should humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.
Surely here we see but the mountain peak of a very large and gigantic truth. So many questions come to mind: What does it mean to humble oneself under the mighty hand of God? In what way can we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? These and other questions find their way into our painful contemplation. And yet, the application of truth begins by first understanding that truth.
To humble oneself under the mighty hand of God most assuredly involves several vital things. First, it includes understanding the power and wisdom of God guided by His love and constant faithfulness. Second, it involves a willingness on our part to yield all things to Him, knowing that He is not only capable of doing what needs to be done, but He is willing to do what is best for us. These convictions form the nucleus of our faith and our peace.
And yet, there is one necessary component that must not be left out – yielding oneself to God and His providential will. We may believe in the power of God, we may believe in the wisdom of God, but until these convictions translate into yielding to God, we will remain without peace. Surrendering to God by yielding to His mighty hand is the secret to finding peace in the midst of turmoil and trial.
When we surrender to God and His mighty hand, it means that we accept His choice in the matter, knowing that He will do what is best for us. Yielding to God’s providential decision means that we are convinced that we can trust our God in all things; thus, we let go. This is frightening, but necessary for peace and calm.
Our text helps us to understand the wisdom of surrendering to God’s providential will by giving us a glorious promise, which we may keep and hold closely to our hearts. The promise is this: “That He may exalt you at the proper time.” God does not delight in our being weighed down with care and despair. He yearns to lift us up, to raise us up, and to help us stand in joy before the challenges of our lives. The process of obedience and trust yields a harvest of blessings that come in abundance to those who wait on the Lord. He will raise us up with strength, determination, and steadfast faith. Thanks be to God for meeting us at the deepest point of our need. We look to Him always, and we yield to Him continually.
Prayer: Dear Lord, it is hard to let go when life presses hard in on us. But we know that when we relent to Your mighty power and Your marvelous wisdom, then we have the assurance for which we long. Please grant today to our hearts this assurance and peace. Amen.