The Lord Exalts the Humble.
113 [a]Praise [b]the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
Praise the name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the Lord is to be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations;
His glory is above the heavens.5 Who is like the Lord our God,
Who is enthroned on high,
6 Who [c]humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in heaven and in the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 To make them sit with [d]princes,
With the [e]princes of His people.
9 He makes the barren woman abide in the house
As a joyful mother of children.
[f]Praise [g]the Lord!
In a psalm entitled “The Lord Exalts the Humble”, it seems odd that the whole first part focuses on the name and the glory of God. Yet that is the only way they are raised up, by putting their focus on God first, and not exalting themselves. There is a lot that could be said about humility, and not a false humility either. You can’t fake it, God knows your heart, and other people will see it eventually too.
Nothing we do in this life can be done on our own. It all depends on God, and none of it would happen if he were not involved. That’s not just for believers, but everyone in this world, whether they acknowledge Him or not. And yet, though all the credit belongs to God, He 100% invites us to be a part of that plan. We don’t just sit back on our backsides and wait for Him to take care of everything.
Part of humility is being gracious. We saw a passage on wealth yesterday, and it was the “gracious lender” that God rewarded. It’s easy, especially as one who avoids debt, to think lenders are all sharks and weasels. Yet that is not the case, there is a time and a place for someone to support another financially, and for them both to gain in the process. It takes a good deal of grace, probably on both sides, to make it work well, and likely a good dose of reliance on God also.
And so I think it is God’s graciousness towards us that invites us to take part in His grand scheme. If there is to be any “raising up”, let it be from God, and don’t get puffed up about it. The world doesn’t depend on you to keep going ’round, it depends upon God alone. Be thankful for the part you get to play–it is an immense honor and privilege–but give Him all the glory, now and forever.
No one is like God, who could accomplish it all himself, and yet humbles himself to request our efforts join His own. Do not fret and worry about the results. Instead, give Him thanks and honor and glory for everything that is accomplished, great or small.