Boast in God Alone
How do you react to a person who is boastful?
Verse of the Day
‘But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’
Today’s Devotional
Boasting might be generally frowned upon, but in today’s verse we see that God is giving us permission to boast all we want. We can boast about God. We can boast about knowing that God is in control. We can boast about God showing His love to us and others. We can boast about His greatness.
Yet, there might be times in our lives when we feel that we would really like some recognition. I can personally confess to having this desire. Especially with my husband, because I want him to be proud of me. Because of this, I have had to do some work with God during this study about pride. And God, because He is so good and faithful, has lovingly shown me that those needs for human recognition come from a place of insecurity and not being firm in my God-given identity. So I read verses like the one above and realize that I need to practice boasting about God’s goodness. He loves me enough to show me where the tender places of insecurity are and that I need to allow Him to fill me. And as I do this, I have all the more to praise Him for.
A couple of years ago, God showed me an example of this verse in the news. The Olympics were being held in Tokyo and we enjoyed watching the evening coverage. I love to see these athletes who have worked so hard and watch them compete. I love it when they handle defeat with dignity and victory with humility.
During the Tokyo Olympics, we watched the track and field coverage of the 400 meter hurdles, which is said to be a very grueling race. There were two American women in the final who were both highly favored to win. One woman was 21 years old, the other was 31. We watched the back stories leading up to the race. Sydney McLaughlin, the 21 year old athlete, ended up winning the gold medal and setting a new world record, shaving almost half a second off her previous record.
Sydney should have every right to boast after such a performance, right? Instead, here is what she said: “I no longer run for self recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone. I don’t deserve anything. But by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything. Records come and go. The glory of God is eternal. Thank you Father.”
That’s what boasting in God looks like.
Everything you or I accomplish is done by the grace of God, through His strength, with His provision, with Him standing by our side holding us up. THAT is what we need to be boasting about. People of humility are quick to boast about God, because they are always giving Him the credit He deserves.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
How do you react to a person who is boastful?
Have you ever wanted or needed recognition?
How do you think God reacts to our boastfulness?
How can you boast about God today?
How and to whom can you tell of all God has done in your life?
How does boasting about God help with your humility?