“For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.” Psalms 149:4 NKJV

As a teen I lived in fear of God. I thought that was the way it was supposed to be because the Word says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10 NKJV In reality the word ‘fear’ in this context means to worship the Lord with reverence or awe.

It was difficult for me to comprehend that the Lord could ‘take pleasure in me’. To think that we can ever gain God’s favor through performance is actually prideful (and unattainable). It is only when we humble ourselves and acknowledge our sin that the Lord can ‘beautify us with salvation’.

James 4:6 tells us: ““God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Prayer: Lord, You alone are worthy of my worship. I am in awe of Your majesty and grace. I surrender my life to You. I humbly acknowledge that while I can never be ‘good enough’ to earn Your favor; you offer me grace when I acknowledge my sin. Wash me Lord, and I will be clean. Let the beauty of Your salvation radiate my countenance. Amen.