He will bring down your high fortified walls and lay them low;
he will bring them down to the ground, to the very dust.
Isaiah 25:12
The self-sufficiency of Babylon, the materialism of Tyre, and the independence of Moab all had pride as the root of their sins. Isaiah describes the people of Moab as high fortified walls. (Isaiah 25:12) The pride of these nations caused their destruction. Pride is the insidious enemy within us that tries to destroy humility. Yet God tells us in His Word that He dwells with the humble and contrite of heart (Isaiah 57:15) We must also be willing to allow the Lord to bring down the strongholds of pride in our lives so that the humble King of Kings can dwell in us.
Recently, my husband and I were discussing an issue; I thought I was right and he thought he was right. Naturally, I continued to justify and make a point that my way was the right way. I realized that we had locked horns like the buffalo I recently saw on my trip to Montana. Buffalo must be careful when they lock horns because they can die if they are unable to free themselves. I realized that both my husband and I were going to die in the ditch of this issue. Pride was at the root of our disagreement. Both of us wanted to be right.
The Lord desires to find a place in our lives to dwell – a place where He can have room to lead and influence our lives. Wherever pride dwells, we constrict the dwelling place of God in us. Where in your life do you see pride operating? Ask the Lord to remove any stronghold of pride you see operating in your life. You will find freedom and release from the bondage that pride gives.
Heavenly Father,
I pray for a humble and contrite heart – a place for Your Holy Spirit to dwell. Forgive me for my pride, my unwillingness to admit when I am wrong, and my stubbornness when I seek to get my own way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
