Joy Bomb: A 8-Day Devotional by Tauren Wellsنموونە

Day 4

True Strength is Found in Humility

With four boys, my wife and I spend a lot of time at sports fields, courts, and gyms. And let me tell you, kids today have a swagger about them that’s on another level. When I was growing up, confidence was a thing, but we didn’t have the same phrases they use now. If a kid catches a pass over someone’s head, his teammates yell, “Head top!” If he locks someone down on defense, he might do the seatbelt motion, letting everyone know he strapped ‘em up. But the one that cracks me up the most? After a killer move or a deep three, they’ll shout, “I’M HIM!”

Now, I love the energy and the confidence—I really do. But it’s got me thinking… when did we become so focused on hyping ourselves up instead of humbling ourselves before God?

The Bible flips this whole mindset on its head. Jesus teaches that God does more in and through us when we humbleourselves, not when we put ourselves on a pedestal. Scripture even says that if we exalt ourselves, we’ll be brought low, but if we humble ourselves, God will lift us up (Matthew 23:12). That’s real greatness—not self-promotion, but surrender.

See, joy isn’t found at the top of our accomplishments. It’s found on the bottom shelf, where only those willing to humble themselves can reach it. Proverbs 27:2 lays it out clearly: “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” God isn’t against greatness—He’s against pride. He’s not looking for people to shout, “I’m him!” but for those who declare, “He’s Him!”

The Strength of Meekness

Humility is powerful. It attracts grace, opens doors that pride would slam shut, and aligns us with God’s heart. True greatness is rooted in knowing who we are in God and allowing Him to work through us.

But let’s be real—when was the last time you heard someone described as meek? It’s not exactly the go-to word for Instagram bios or LinkedIn profiles. In today’s culture, being bold, outspoken, and extra is celebrated. Meekness, on the other hand, is often misunderstood as weakness.

But check this out—two of the most powerful leaders in Scripture, Moses and Jesus, were described as meek. And neither of them was a pushover. Jesus, the King of Kings, could have come with thunder and fire, demanding honor. But instead, He said this about Himself:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

—Matthew 11:28-30

Gentle. Humble.

That’s how Jesus described Himself. And when He talked about His heart, He wasn’t just talking about emotions—He meant the very core of who He is. His driving force wasn’t power, prestige, or popularity. It was meekness.

But don’t get it twisted—Jesus was not weak. Meekness isn’t about hiding your strength; it’s about using it under control. It’s knowing where your power really comes from.

Jesus knew He was the Son of God. He knew He had all authority. But over and over again, He pointed back to the Father:

"The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing." —John 5:19

"The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work."—John 14:10

Jesus wasn’t out there hyping Himself up. He was fully surrendered to the will of God. And that surrender wasn’t weakness—it was the ultimate display of power.

The Joy of Surrender

Real joy isn’t found in proving ourselves. It’s found in trusting that we don’t have to. It’s found in laying down our pride and letting God be the one to lift us up. Jesus showed us that the happiest people aren’t the ones chasing applause—they’re the ones walking in humility, fully surrendered to God’s plan.

Devotional Questions:

1. Have you ever found yourself trying to "hype yourself up" instead of humbling yourself before God? What was the outcome?
2. How do you typically respond when someone else gets the recognition or success you wanted?
3. What does meekness look like in your life right now? Is it something you embrace or struggle with?
4. Jesus described Himself as gentle and humble—how can you reflect those qualities in your daily interactions?
5. What’s one area where you need to surrender your strength and rely on God’s instead?

The world tells us to be the greatest. Jesus tells us to serve the greatest. And that’s where real joy is found. 💛🔥