Day 22: The Heart Where God Dwells

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 3

“Thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’” —Isaiah 57:15, NKJV

God describes two places where He is willing to dwell: on His holy throne and within the heart of the humble. What an awesome realization that the God of the universe desires to dwell with us!

Humility opens the door for God’s presence to be at home in our hearts. Jesus compared this condition to that of a little child. It is the recognition that we are helpless, completely dependent on Him. Humility doesn’t grasp for or demand control; it gladly surrenders to the Master’s

control.

A proud or rebellious spirit demonstrates a low view of God and a high view of ourselves. When we see God as He is—high and holy—and we see ourselves as we are—sinful and needy—we are compelled to bow before Him in humility and worship. We no longer demand our “rights,” but we humbly recognize our desperate need for God’s mercy and grace and we esteem all others as better than ourselves.

The apostle Peter wrote,

“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

(1 Peter 5:5-7, NASB)

This heart attitude is the polar opposite of the feminist mindset that insists on grasping for power and proudly asserts the right of women to control their own bodies and to live independent of God and men. As our Lord said, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:11, NASB).

Take Time to Reflect

Is your life characterized by humility? Review what you read from 1 Peter 2 a few days ago, then read 1 Peter 3. As you consider these passages, what do you see in the example of Christ that should be a pattern for our own attitudes, actions, and responses?

True Woman Wyoming Prayer Focus

Pray that each speaker and leader for the True Woman Wyoming conference would be clothed in humility. Pray for fresh anointing of the Spirit as they prepare their hearts and messages for the conference. Pray for protection from fear of man, pride, discouragement, and every other weapon the enemy might use against them. Pray that they will guard their time with the Lord over these weeks and that they will come prepared to minister out of the overflow of what God has been doing in their lives.