The River Pride Page 30

River Pride Page 30

Pride! What is it about this human trait that beckons us? Why do we come close to drowning ourselves in it before we realize that we’re dying because of it?

This ever-flowing River Pride takes us so far from those we love, from the place we want to be….yet we go like a warrior preparing for battle….for it’s as if we’re called to it! We stand firm in our prideful beliefs- thinking we’re holding the line of honor….when we’re simply battling for nothing! Pride has us believe we’re standing up for righteousness…when really we’re standing up for ourselves. This is called self-pride and it stands in place of truth! Pride deceives!

How can we be freed from this outward exhibition of our deceived hearts? It comes from so deep within! Our self-pride keeps us bound to sin; we’re in bondage! Yet we see it as our honor. We believe that pride is a mandatory piece of armor that truly protects us and justifies our fight for what we think we deserve! We believe we’re a warrior but what we really are is a slave to pride! Oh, that we would bow at the Throne of God and humbly ask him to free us from our brutal pride and, in this moment of surrender, open our eyes to the truth of what this merciful choice can liberate us from! Instead we remain bound…and blind!

God calls us to surrender our pride and take up the cause of truth and forgiveness! The problem is that self-righteous pride doesn’t slow easily and the River Pride is fast moving and is tumultuous! It is not easy to change course mid-stream. Also, pride has us so far from the notion and option of surrender that God’s voice is faint! The rushing waters of pride are loud. We’re can't hear well and we're uncertain. With all this raging noise we mistakenly question God‘s voice of direction. Surely surrender goes against human nature. We wonder if it’s wise to lay our pride on God‘s alter? Ironically, it is our pride that keeps us from doing so.

What a twist of fate! We’ve all been there before. A servant on a wild ride… deep in circumstance and drowning in the River Pride! Thankfully, God can save us from our enemies….and he can surely save us from ourselves. We’ve studied this before….but here it is again:

Psalm 18: 16-18

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deeps waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.”

                                                                            

As we stand in awe, dripping wet from circumstance and coughing up excuses….we finally realize this:

Pride binds us to a battle that is loveless.
Surrender provides us blessed freedom!
Surrender initially feels like it costs everything….
but mercifully, it costs us nothing-
for graciously God’s Salvation and love are freely given.


"And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free"
John 8:32 

Song Recommendation:

 Let the Waters Rise

                                                                  By: Mikeschair