There was a time when if something didn’t go as planned, whether the onus was on me or not, I had all the reasons (i.e. excuses) why we should take the attention off of me and focus on the other person that was involved. This response is a ‘very human’ tendency. We don’t like to be wrong even if we are. So the natural inclination is to brush it off like it wasn’t that big of a deal or try in some way to avoid dealing with the accountability. These responses expose the heart–which is a good thing. The more clues we have about the condition of the heart, the better we’re able to address what’s happening at the core for better future responses.
These types of responses, as previously described, demonstrate a heart in need of contriteness and a spirit in need of lowliness. Why is this important? Although much less attractive than words like powerful and assertive–contriteness and lowliness help to defer unnecessary disagreements, can cultivate or mend relationships, and can help develop a closeness with God, especially when feeling distant or disconnected spiritually.
This quiet time helps to explore what it means to have a contrite heart and lowly spirit, and how to obtain this position and mindset that makes a shift in relationships–professionally, personally, and spiritually.
Note that there are similarities and direct overlap in the meanings of the terms covered in this quiet time. Also, feel free to break up this quiet time into parts if time doesn’t permit for one session.
KEY WORDS
Contrite: remorseful, sorrowful, humbled
Lowly: humble
Gentle: meek, power under control
Humble: lowly
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15
Q: What might be the reason God specifically highlights that the contrite and lowly will be with him?
Q: Why might be a motivating reason why God desires to revive the spirit of the lowly and heart of the contrite?
Reflect: Name something that can be done to inspire a contrite spirit.
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
Q: What is so special to God about a person who is humble and contrite in spirit? What may be the reason why it touches his heart?
Q: What does “tremble” at what the Bible says mean practically?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
In this passage, Jesus says, ”Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,…” Sometimes being gentle and humble can seem impossible, but Jesus tells us that this can be learned.
Reflect: Describe / explain how Jesus showed (exemplified) himself to be gentle and lowly in heart. Feel free to Google or ChatGPT.
Examples:
- When being accused, he didn’t defend himself. (humble) Matthew 26:62-63
- When men were challenged to cast the first stone on the adulterous woman and no one did, Jesus told her that he would not condemn her either, gave her guidance, and that was that. (gentle) John 8:3-11
Q: In what ways can I imitate Jesus in being gentle and humble at work and/or home?
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14
Q: Why wouldn’t the tax collector look up to heaven?
Q: Was it important for the tax collector to name the situation and the role he played? Why or why not?
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Reflect: Describe each component of what God requires.
Q: In what ways can I walk humbly with God today?
ACTION ITEM
David prayed a powerful prayer after he committed adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 Pray for this if it’s a topic of struggle and you desire change. A pure heart clears the way for a contrite, lowly, gentle, humble heart.
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Psalm 53:17
Rise and Shine Bright.
What a powerful quiet time. Thank you for this! I SURELY needed this a few days ago where I fell short in my gentleness and humility with a family member. It was extremely difficult ‘getting back up’ after the hurt (from both sides) but God is good and we got up and moved forward in love. Being reminded of this prior to that time would’ve really helped me out a lot.
Thank you for this powerful lesson. Pride and self-righteousness can creep in in my heart and this lesson reminds me that what God desires and blesses are contriteness and humility.
Amen! That’s wonderful that you got something from this. So grateful that Jesus gave himself as an example of humility. Thank you so much for sharing what inspired you!