"LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.” vs1-2

It’s a great thing, when we realize that we are nothing. When we’ve been humbled to the dust, and taken our place as sinners, then we are wise. When we no longer question God, and submit ourselves to obedience, then we do the best thing for us, because he is good and gracious, and he will help.

Rebelling against God’s authority is hard work. Who can defeat him? When he gives trouble, who can give peace? Job 34:29 - "But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him? When he hides his face, no one can find him, whether an individual or a nation." It is better to yield, and say, “I have offended, and I will do it no more. I’m wrong. Give me grace to obey.” Job 34:31-32, "Why don't people say to God, 'I have sinned, but I will sin no more'? Or 'I don't know what evil I have done--tell me. If I have done wrong, I will stop at once'?" This brings us to God’s grace, as we deal honestly with him in confession. The comfort we’ve sought… and the peace… come to us, as we yield to God’s way. It may be bitter in the short term, but the long run is sweet. It may be contrary to our reasoning, but it is wisdom to obey him. Who can run our lives better? Who knows more than God?

Learn these lessons of humility, and it will be well. Take the lowest seat, and he’ll lift you up. Luke 14:11 - "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Secondly, put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 131:3 - "Israel, put your hope in the LORD, both now and forever. " Don’t trust the strength of your hand, or the wisdom of your will. Don’t trust what people think. An older sister recently gave words of advice to younger women. She said, “Woman of God, take no advice from women who are not counseled by God through his word.” They’ll tell you how to destroy your home, rather than build it up. Proverbs 14:1 - "A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands."Likewise, listen to the Lord in EVERYTHING. Take no matters into your own hands. Do nothing your own way. In everything, get counsel, and say, “The will of the Lord is best, and let it be done.” Jesus, in infinite wisdom and humility, always said, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

This is the key to prayer, “Your kingdom come.” This is the key to a balanced and happy life. Living for God’s glory - so that others can know Christ - is the highest attainment of humanity, because we walk with God, and bear good fruit. In everything, the best thing for us is obedience.

I’ve tried reasoning with you. Be persuaded. Let nothing sway you. Temptation will say, “You can sin, be forgiven, and it will be OK,” but then come guilt and shame. Fear says, “Save yourself. Compromise the gospel. Hide it. Get along with people. Live for yourself. Don’t stand out. God will save the elect without you,” so we live in disobedience. This is wrong, and we’re only deceiving ourselves, and being deceived. He who gave us his Son is the best thing for us - to follow him, obey him, and lean upon him entirely. If you want the best for you, then you must live for him. He said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”