Isaiah 51:14

Isaiah 51:14 (ESV): “He who is bowed down shall speedily be released; he shall not die and go down to the pit,neither shall his bread be lacking.”

Humility is the key to the Christian life. Andrew Murray defined it well: “Humility is the displacement of self by the enthronement of God.” A humble person will never be lacking.

Isaiah, speaking to a discouraged and captive people, declares that if they want to be freed from their enemies, they must surrender to the Lord. He will not only release them quickly, but they will also no longer be held down by death and the grave. God will provide a sacrifice sufficient to wipe away their sins. He will also supply their needs so that they lack nothing. Bowing down is the key.

Are you walking in humility today? If not, chances are you’re in a miserable place. I appreciate how John Calvin put it: “There is no man so empty as he who is full of himself.” If you want to experience the fullness of God, you must be emptied of self. We need the mindset of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is the way to freedom and fullness—bowing down to God and letting Him lift you up.

Father, we thank You for showing us the path to freedom and fullness. Help us to live at Your feet in a place of humility so that we might become all that You desire us to be. Mold us, shape us as You will. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.