“The Lord values those who fear him, those who put their hope in his faithful love.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

My culture hypes things like the Miss America pageant (or Miss Universe – in case there are aliens who’d like to participate) and the World’s Strongest Man competition. There are a plethora of popular “talent” shows too. Clearly we value beauty in women, braun in men, and the ability to entertain in both genders.

I have never seen a competition about who can depend more thoroughly on God. We do not value weakness, dependence, deference, vulnerability… Those are seen as flaws. There will never be a show called America’s Got Humility or America’s Next Top Acolyte. In fact there aren’t really any positive words in English for a humble, reliant person. There are plenty of pejoratives: parasite, moocher, toady, lackey, sycophant, doormat…

But today’s verse reminds me how vastly different God’s values are from the world’s values. They are opposites. Where the world values independence, God values dependence on Him. Where the world values self-confidence, God values confidence in Him. Where the world values strength, God values people who rely on His strength alone.

Dear God,

Help me to align my values with your values and adjust my goals and my attitudes accordingly. Please forgive me for being swayed by the world’s values. I know you love me whether I am beautiful or not, strong or not, talented or not. Thank you for allowing me to depend on your strength and love which is always available to me in abundance.