Too Full of Me to Be Filled by Him

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
‘God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."
James 4:6

DEVO

Pride is sneaky. It doesn’t always show up in obvious ways like boasting or arrogance. Sometimes it looks like self-reliance, stubbornness, or the quiet refusal to ask for help. Pride says, “I’ve got this,” while humility says, “God, I need You.” One pushes God away. The other draws Him close.

Scripture says God resists the proud. Think about that. God Himself stands in opposition to pride—not because He doesn’t love us, but because pride builds a wall between us and Him. You can’t walk in the fullness of His grace when you’re full of yourself. But to the humble? He gives more grace. Overflowing, undeserved, beautiful grace.

Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself—it means thinking of yourself less. It’s recognizing that every good thing in your life is a gift from God, not a result of your own strength or wisdom. It’s choosing to submit, surrender, and serve even when your flesh screams to be seen, heard, and exalted.

In recovery and healing, pride is especially dangerous. It tells you that you’ve come far enough, that you don’t need accountability, that you can handle this part on your own. But humility keeps you grounded. It reminds you of how far God has brought you and how much you always need Him. Every day. Every hour. Every minute.

Jesus, our perfect example, humbled Himself—even to the point of death on a cross Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." If He chose humility, then how much more should we? True greatness in the kingdom of God isn’t found in climbing higher but in bowing lower.

GOAL FOR TODAY:

Choose humility. Ask God to search your heart and reveal areas where pride may be creeping in. Invite Him to give you grace to live humbly and depend fully on Him.

PRAYER:

Abba Father, show me where pride lives in my heart. Forgive me for the times I’ve relied on myself instead of You. Teach me to walk in humility like Jesus did. I want to be a vessel You can fill—not someone full of themselves. Give me grace to submit and surrender to you daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

INTROSPECTION & JOURNALING:

1. In what ways might pride be showing up in my life, even subtly?

2. When and why do I find it hard to ask for help or admit when I’m wrong?

3. What would it look like to walk humbly before my God in this season?

4. How do I respond when I’m corrected or challenged by others?

5. Am I trying to prove something, or am I trusting God to do the work in me?