“My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.” Psalm 34:2 ESV
Most people boast of what they have done rather than what God has done through them.
Most people boast of what they have done rather than what God has done through them.
Too often, we take credit for what only God can do. We begin to disregard the previous times we prayed to the Lord, and He answered. We see the fruits of our labor and think that we have earned them on our own, even though it is “neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7 NKJV).
When we forget about God, we take credit for what is of God.
When we forget about God, we take credit for what is of God. We become selfish and have a distorted view that we are the reason why we are where we are. It is sad when we do many things without a second thought of God, not knowing that it is God Who has numbered our days; it is God Who allows us to breathe; it is God Who has given us gifts, talents, and abilities; it is God Who brings forth the blessing.
In this prideful, narcissistic era, we continually fight and wage war against self. We always want everything to be about us and rarely about others. Even when helping others, we often do it for the pleasure of thinking we are “good” or doing it for the feeling we receive. Rarely do we ever do the right thing for the right reason.
Only the Holy Spirit can change our exterior from our interior. Only He can rule the inner life so that our outer life matches our changed desires and godly passions within. Naturally, we don’t want the things of God. We want to do things our way when we want. We are stubborn beings, rebellious to the ways of God.
Due to this internal state written on the hearts of every man since The Fall, we boast in things not our right to boast. We pride ourselves in building businesses on our own, making lots of money on our own, giving money, volunteering, the ability to go on vacations, remodeling our house, how many friends we have, what people know us by… so much of what we boast about is not in the Lord, but is in the spirit of self.
If we are not living for God, we are living for self. The world is just the means to acquire what we want and indulge in how we desire to feel.
Self is a dangerous little Devil. It can appear good, even when it is rotting away our core from a strong connection with God. If we are born-again, we are constantly fighting self. If we are not, then self is the only thing we can live for. For if we are not living for God, we are living for self. The world is just the means to acquire what we want and indulge in how we desire to feel.
We must honestly reflect on our weaknesses and humbly acknowledge that we have nothing good in our strength. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV). We are saved by Christ solely and not by good works. We have what we have because God has permitted it to be so.
“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord Who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord”” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV). As born-again believers, we are to boast in knowing God - the Creator of Heaven and earth.
There is no reality; there is no logic; there is no truth; there is no function; there is no form; there is no matter, time, space, energy, personhood, relationship, love, beauty, or anything without God.
Without God, we have nothing and are nothing. There is no reality; there is no logic; there is no truth; there is no function; there is no form; there is no matter, time, space, energy, personhood, relationship, love, beauty, or anything without God. God is the One Who has created all things. He is the Giver and Sustainer of life and newness of Life to those who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Sole Source of salvation.
“And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord”” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NKJV). May we forever boast in what God has done and continues to do.
People cannot deny our boast when we boast of how far God has brought us and where He has delivered us from.
People cannot deny our boast when we boast of how far God has brought us and where He has delivered us from. They may be skeptical, but if they can see a transformation in our lives, they will think twice about the Power of God and His Existence.
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV). May we never become discouraged in our walk with the Lord. May we refrain from boasting about what we think we have done. May we always boast in God’s Power within us - namely, His Holy Spirit.
God’s Grace is greater than our sin. God’s Love is greater than our self-love. God’s power is mightier than our power. God’s Will is more purposeful than our will. If we deny ourselves and submit and surrender all to God, we shall rise - not only in the power of the Holy Spirit, but always with a proper boast in the Lord.
“In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to Your name forever. Selah” (Psalm 44:8 ESV).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are the Great and Mighty Alpha and Omega. There is none like You. You are the Creator of all things. You are the Righteous Judge, the Ruler of Heaven and earth. God, bless us with a natural heart of humility. Help us focus on what You have done and boast of only You. God, we admit that we are nothing in ourselves. We can do nothing without You, but sin. God, help us. Give us power and authority. Rule our mind, heart, spirit, and soul. You are the Great Conqueror. You have the keys to Hell and death. You are the One Who judges the living and the dead. God, may we forever seek You and boast about what You have done. Receive all the Glory, O God of our salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lance VanTine