Our Rock and Refuge

So often the most proud people, the most arrogant and pushy, are those

who suffer from low self-esteem. Their arrogance and pride—and total

lack of meekness or humility—exist as a cover, perhaps even uncon-

sciously, for something lacking inside. What they need is something we all

need: a sense of security, of worthiness, of acceptance, especially in times

of distress and suffering. We can find that only through the Lord. In short,

meekness and humility, far from being attributes of weakness, are often

the most powerful manifestation of a soul firmly grounded on the Rock.

Read Psalm 62:1–8. What seems to be the background for this psalm?

What points is David making? What spiritual principles can you

learn from what he is saying? Most important, how can you learn

to apply these principles to your own life?

“Without cause men will become our enemies. The motives of the

people of God will be misinterpreted, not only by the world, but by their

own brethren. The Lord’s servants will be put in hard places. A moun-

tain will be made of a molehill to justify men in pursuing a selfish,

unrighteous course. . . . By misrepresentation these men will be clothed

in the dark vestments of dishonesty because circumstances beyond

their control made their work perplexing. They will be pointed to as

men that cannot be trusted. And this will be done by the members of the

church. God’s servants must arm themselves with the mind of Christ.

They must not expect to escape insult and misjudgment. They will be

called enthusiasts and fanatics. But let them not become discouraged.

God’s hands are on the wheel of His providence, guiding His work to

the glory of His name.”—Ellen G. White, The Upward Look, p. 177.

How immune are you to the reproaches and barbs of others?

Most likely not that immune, right? How can you cleave to the

Lord and anchor your sense of self-worth on the One who loves

you so much that He died for your sins, and thus help protect

yourself against the slights of others?