A Tender Heart Yields Humility

2 Kings 22:19 Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Josiah was a godly king who began his reign at the age of eight years old. Because of his genuine appreciation for the Lord, he would later commission the people to work upon the house of God. It was during this work that the high priest found the book of the law of the Lord. As the scripture was read before Josiah, he rent his clothes recognizing God’s wrath was about to come upon His people. Josiah could have become hardened in heart against the Lord; however, he chose not to allow this to happen. Unlike many of his counterparts, Josiah humbled himself. What made Josiah different? His tender heart made all the difference (2 Kings 22:19). Josiah’s humility was not feigned; it was the natural outpouring of a heart tender toward the things of God.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When God the Son left heaven's glory and came to earth in order to take upon Himself a body of flesh, He was still God. But He willingly put Himself under God the Father's authority and did everything to please Him. We too should have a heart that wants to be obedient to God every day and in every way.

• (For everyone): Do you humble yourself before God when you receive bad news or when you go through a particular trial? Do you find a desire in your heart to murmur or argue with the Lord? If so, your heart needs to be softened by prayer and the word of God.

• When is the last time you humbled yourself before God? Are you full of pride? Are you hard-hearted and stiff-necked?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask God to soften your heart toward Him.

• Ask God to help you find true humility.

SONG: I Need Thee Every Hour

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Humility