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As we move through our week on the topic of humility, I want to pause for a moment to simply encourage your heart.

Humility might sound beautiful when we talk about it, but it can feel very different when we’re actually living it out.

 It shows up in the moment when you want to defend yourself—but choose to stay quiet.

It shows up when you feel misunderstood—and resist the urge to set the record straight in every conversation.

It shows up when someone else is praised—and you choose to celebrate them without comparing.

I’m learning that not every moment needs my explanation—sometimes it just needs my surrender.

Earlier this week, I felt the urge to have the last word. I wanted to be heard. I wanted to be understood. I wanted to come out on top. But instead, I chose to step back. I paused, held my tongue, and reminded myself that God is fully capable of managing the situation without my help.

Scripture reminds us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10, NIV).

Notice it doesn’t say we lift ourselves. It doesn’t say we prove ourselves. It doesn’t even say we explain ourselves. It points us to Him.

That’s harder than it sounds, isn’t it?

Because pride wants to manage the outcome. It wants to fix how we’re seen, how we’re heard, and how we’re understood. But humility rests in the truth that God already sees the full story. 

He knows what was said.

He knows what was meant.

He knows what was unfair.

And He knows what doesn’t need to be fought over.

Sometimes the most powerful act of humility is choosing restraint when you could respond.

Or apologizing first.

Or letting someone else have the last word.

Sometimes the strongest response is the one you choose not to say.

Not because you’re weak—but because you trust God enough to release control.

 That’s exactly what we saw in Hannah. Her situation didn’t change right away, but something inside her did. After she poured out her heart to the Lord, she left with a peace that didn’t come from circumstances—it came from surrender.

And maybe that’s where some of us are today.

Still waiting.

Still misunderstood.

Still carrying something tender.

If that’s you, this is your gentle reminder: humility doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means bringing everything honestly to God and trusting Him with what you can’t fix.

 Before this week ends, you might ask yourself:

Where am I trying to control something God is asking me to release?

Where am I fighting to be understood when God is inviting me to rest in His understanding?

Humility isn’t about shrinking. It’s about standing secure enough in God’s care that you don’t have to prove yourself.

 And the beautiful part?

God promises that when we choose the lower place, He is the One who does the lifting—at the right time, in the right way.

So if this week has stretched you, don’t be discouraged. The quiet work God is doing in your heart matters more than any visible win.

Keep bringing it back to Him.

He sees. He knows. And He’s faithful to meet you right where you are.

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.