February 18 — Godly Simplicity and Humility

Hope for Today: A Daily Devotion from Reasons for Hope*Jesus

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“The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.” Psalm 116:6

He who walks in godly simplicity and humility, accounting his own infirmities always the greatest, will best be preserved from being puffed up and sifted by the enemy of souls. And surely nothing should humble us more than justification by free grace. The more we consider and carefully cherish that, the more this simple, child-like, quiet temper will increase; for since there is nothing in ourselves which can be depended upon — but all must be freely received from Christ, this, at the same tune cutting off all vain boasting, settles our peace in Christ, who is our All, and is firm enough to be rested upon.

It is only from You, O my Savior, that I can learn true simplicity. Teach me, therefore, to turn my eyes not upon others — but upon myself; humble me to the uttermost and fashion me after Your own mind, that I may be careful to avoid everything that is contrary to love. Keep me, O my Light, from all self-dependence and self-conceit; bridle my carnal reason and pull down all vain imaginations. Grant that my eye may be fixed only on that one thing needful, which lasts eternally; and that, in all my words, deeds, and gestures, I may always exemplify the simplicity, innocence, fidelity, and love of a little child (Matthew 18:3).

Oh, from the world’s vile slavery,
Almighty Savior, set me free!
And as my treasure is above.
Be there my thoughts, be there my love.

Devotion by Karl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690—1774)