Four Promises for the Humble

Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less. When you stay focused on God and helping other people, you naturally think about yourself less.

Why would anybody choose to think of others more than they think of themselves? Because God has told us to, and he makes many promises in the Bible for those who humble themselves.

Here are four things God will do in your life when you start focusing on others more than yourself.

If you’re humble, God will guide you.
If you don’t know which way to turn—whether to get in or get out, to hold on or let go—then get humble. When you humble yourself, God will make your next step clear. You’ll make fewer mistakes and be closer to God’s will for your life. Psalm 25:9 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (NIV).

If you’re humble, God will bless you.
These promises are all through Scripture, like Isaiah 66:2: “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts” (NLT). God doesn’t bless egotistic or prideful people or those who secretly think they’re better than everybody else. He blesses those who seek him first.

If you’re humble, God will give you the power to change.
The power to change is called grace. Maybe there are things in your life you’ve tried to change, but you can’t or you won’t. You need grace! 

How do you get God’s grace and the power to change? “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 NLT). Every time you’re prideful, you’re on the opposite side of God—and you don’t want to be there. The humbler you are, the more grace God gives you.

If you’re humble, God will reduce your stress.
If you’re prideful, your stress is going to go up. Instead, listen to Jesus: “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 NLT).

When you feel like you have nothing left to give, surrender to Jesus. Spend time studying the Bible, learning how to choose gentleness and humility by Jesus’ example. Pray, and ask him for the grace to change.

Then you’ll find the rest your soul has been craving. Change your focus, and it will change your life.