Hollywood Prayer Network On PrideSample

DON'T LET THE PROUD OPPRESS YOU

"None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves." Charles Spurgeon

PRAY:  God, I need You. I feel attacked, for my adversaries are pursuing me and in their pride they are attacking me. It's so hard to respond to the pride in other people, who take credit for things they haven't done and treat others terribly along the way. Lord, help me to remember that it is better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed, rather than to share the plunder with the proud. Don't allow me to be jealous of evil, prideful people, Lord. Let me know that You are a just God and You will treat all of us fairly in the end. Let me keep choosing to be righteous, even though others turn against me, treat me unfairly, and make me miserable in the process. Give me strength to find joy in my lowly position and to pray for the prideful people around me. Thank You for lifting me and blessing the lowly in spirit. Amen and Amen.

REFLECT: It's always a struggle to be OK about being treated unfairly or being the victim of injustice. We all want justice and we want the unjust to be punished for their sins. It's so difficult to watch prideful people continue to gain success, money, and status, through their wicked ways, while we are pushed aside as we live with integrity, honesty, and humility. But in our hearts we know it's worth it. We know that the Lord does not let anyone ultimately get away with wrong doing and abusive behavior. In what situations have you felt wrongly treated by prideful people? How did you handle it? 

ACT:  Write down these verses and pray through every word so that you can completely embrace the humility it takes to accept these truths: "My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me." But - it is "better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud." Ask the Lord to let your heart truly believe that it actually is better to be lowly in spirit, along with the oppressed than to share in the plunder with the proud. Read it out loud until it sinks deep into your heart and will never leave you. You'll need it in future situations because it's God's response to the evil heart of man! You will become more Christ-like as you ponder this truth in your heart.