Honest to God

God is merciful, and He is also completely just.  

Psalm 76 describes the ultimate power of God in judging the earth and why those who oppose Him should fear His wrath.  However, on the other side of the coin, verse 9 reveals His heart toward certain others, "When God arose to judgment, to save all the humble of the earth."  He judges wickedness but saves the humble.

The crux of the whole judgment matter is pride versus humbleness.  What does God require but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God?  Scripture is clear that God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud.  Did not Satan fall because of pride, and did not Eve submit to the lie of pride that she would be "like God" if she ate the fruit?   

David, after he repented from sinning with Bathsheba and killing Uriah, prayed with new understanding, in Psalm 51:6, that God, "you desire truth in our inmost being."  What is the truth?  First Corinthians 4:7 explains this truth by declaring that everything we have, our mind, our heart, our faith, our talents, our health, our life, is all received, so we have nothing to boast about.  Since the truth is that we have nothing because of our own efforts but rather all is the gift of God, our only honest response to Him is to be thankful and humbly admit we depend upon Him for everything.  The truthful attitude, being humble and thankful, motivates us to obey and is what pleases God.

Furthermore, Isaiah 57:15 confirms this truth, "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  When we honestly acknowledge our need for His help and forgiveness, He is right there to revive us.

Be honest to God as you humbly admit your need and walk obediently with a grateful attitude in all He has given you to do.  God will dwell with you and you will be blessed forever!