I’m ashamed to admit how often I put myself down. Not always out loud, but in the cramped privacy of my own mind. Insults and dreadful conclusions. As in how horribly I’ve written these devotions. Churches and fellow believers I’ve let down. Being a rotten husband, parent, and grandparent. Why not be more sensitive and use your two ears more than that one big mouth? See what I mean?

I’m sure that some of you can identify. No? Only the downtrodden may apply for membership in this club. But, no doubt, you’ll get rejected!

Take a gander at 1 Samuel 15 in the Old Testament. It’s a story about ancient Israel’s King Saul, near the end of his disappointing reign. The Prophet Samuel is laying out the bad news for Saul. God is moving on to someone who will faithfully follow Him instead of the mess Saul has made of things.

Samuel asks Saul a question that hits me squarely between the eyes–‘…Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you head over Israel. And the Lord sent you on a mission…’ (1 Samuel 15: 17-18). Instead of Saul accepting the role and responsibility given to him by the Lord, he looks down on himself, not trusting God first and foremost or even obeying Him. But no, welcome to Saul’s pity party. Poor, little old victim-playing Saul. Whatever.

I need to remember that Jesus has made me an adopted child of God by dying on the cross. He endows me with spiritual gifts that help grow the Kingdom of God. He prays for me (Romans 8: 34 and Hebrews 7: 25), and so does God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8: 26-27). Jesus is my Good Shepherd (John 10: 11), caring for me in His flock. He’s even my Great Physician (Mark 2: 17), healing me, slowly but somewhat(!) surely, of selfishness and self-centeredness. And He’s prepared a home for me with Him in Heaven (John 14: 1-3).

Guess what? Not just for me! For you too, when you trust in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. So, stop looking down. Look up. Head held high. Move on for Jesus and for others. I’m starting to get up, and I have an extra helping hand, too. Want it? Come on, grab hold. That’s more like it!

Thank you, Jesus, for lifting me higher and higher until I reach the highest of all with you forever. Amen.