Day 4: Pride or Humility

After the first sin, Adam and Eve hide.

Fear replaces freedom. Shame replaces openness. Instead of running toward God, they run away from him.

This is still our instinct.

When we are wounded, we often choose pride over humility. Pride says I am fine. Pride says I can fix this myself. Pride blames others. Pride turns pain into identity and even uses it as leverage.

Humility does something different. Humility acknowledges the wound. Humility admits the need for help. Humility recognizes that God is the healer.

God’s question in the garden was not ignorance. It was invitation. “Where are you?” was an opportunity to step out from hiding and return to relationship.

Healing begins there.

We may not be responsible for the wounds we carry, but we are responsible for how we deal with them. We can continue hiding behind fig leaves of self sufficiency, or we can step into the light and allow God to work.

God uses prayer. God uses counseling. God uses medicine. But ultimately, God is the healer.

The choice is the same one humanity has faced from the beginning. Pride or humility.

Talk It Over

In what area of your life are you tempted to handle your wounds on your own instead of bringing them to God?

Prayer

Lord, you are my healer. Where pride has kept me hiding or self-sufficient, lead me into humility. Give me the courage to acknowledge my wounds and the trust to bring them to you. Restore what has been broken in me and teach me to rely on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.