DAY
2
HUMBLING OURSELVES BEFORE GOD
THE FIRST STEP in addressing the sins and needs around us is to confess that we are sinful and needy. Our role is not to save culture, for “salvation belongs to the LORD” (Jonah 2:9). We need the same Christ that we proclaim to our unbelieving neighbors. Being used by God begins with being forgiven and cleansed by God.
God is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and he promises to forgive those who confess their sins (see 1 John 1:9). Followers of Christ ought to confess their sins to God and ask him to strengthen them to be obedient. This kind of humility is pleasing to God and it prepares us to be used by him.
Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:12
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
PSALM 51:1-2
O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.” They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.
NEHEMIAH 1:5-11
Responding in Prayer
- Confess your sins to God. Ask him for forgiveness and to grant repentance.
- Pray that God would give you humility as you speak about the gospel and the truths of God’s Word. Ask God to remove your own self-righteousness as you confront the sins of others.
- Pray that your church would be known not only for its boldness but also for its humility in your community.