May We Know Ourselves

“Put them in fear, O LORD,
that the nations may know
themselves to be but men.” Psalm 9:20

I don’t think David was just being spiteful here.

Lord, may we fear You and know our frailty today. And here’s a simple poem . . .

Fear and Know

ocw.mit.edu

We are but men
no more, no less
formed into nations
of humanness
able to do great things
and be blessed
as we fear You, Lord
and Your Sovereigness.

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on October 30, 2012 at 7:10 am Comments (24)
Tags: Christian, devotions, encouragement, fear of God, poetry, prayer, the nations

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24 Comments

On October 30, 2012 at 8:04 am Caddo Veil said:

Good poem, Sis Deb! I certainly know my frailty, and the Lord’s great sovereignty–and I continue to have uncertainty about the word “fear” used in connection with God. Maybe someone could clear this up for me. God bless you abundantly–love, sis Caddo
On October 30, 2012 at 1:22 pm Tom Raines said:

LOVE this Deb!! We are but flesh. In His greatness He can use us. Not us but Him. Thank you!!
On October 30, 2012 at 3:09 pm cycleguy said:

In this age of self-made men (and women) it is good to remember that we are just men.
On October 30, 2012 at 5:52 pm Rob Barkman said:

i agree that David’s motives were honorable. If we all considered our humanity this world would be a far better place. Lord bless.
On October 30, 2012 at 6:07 pm Larry Who said:

“Put them in fear, O LORD,
that the nations may know
themselves to be but men.” Psalm 9:20

This is a great prayer for America right now. That we Americans would be in such reverential awe, or fear, of the holiness of God that we would cling to Him and follow His ways.
On October 30, 2012 at 6:30 pm melodylowes said:

Through our weakness God’s strength shines with more brilliance! How vital it is to know our own limitations, and the stuff with which we are made.
On October 30, 2012 at 8:14 pm ihatepoetry said:

Yes, and I have been fighting with God when I should really give in and trust and obey, trust and obey. Thanks for the lovely devotional.
On October 30, 2012 at 9:46 pm greenlightlady said:

I love how you included “no less”. Although I truly believe we need to respect creation, it should not mean that we forget ‘we’ are made in His image. Mankind may have failed in taking respectful dominion of the planet… but it does not mean we should in turn disrespect human life.

Blessings ~ Wendy
On October 30, 2012 at 11:09 pm Debbie said:

Love you Sis Caddo, and your sureness of God and His sovereignty! Maybe someone more knowledgeable than I will jump in here about the fear of God thing. 🙂 I think you do “fear” Him, Sis, but just don’t see it that way, because you love Him so much. God bless you as He does great things through you!
On October 30, 2012 at 11:13 pm Debbie said:

I love the “not us but Him”, Tom. 🙂 God bless you as you bless others today!
On October 30, 2012 at 11:13 pm Debbie said:

I think so too! God bless you and all that He has created you to be and do!
On October 30, 2012 at 11:16 pm Debbie said:

Every once in awhile, He gives me a glimpse at someone’s humanness . .someone that I thought was perfect, and it helps me as I deal with my own. God bless you as He uses you in wonderful ways today!
On October 30, 2012 at 11:34 pm Debbie said:

It sure is a great prayer, Mr. Larry . .thank you for spotting that! 🙂 So now you know what I’m praying about today. God bless you as you cling to Him today!
On October 30, 2012 at 11:39 pm Debbie said:

I really like “knowing our own limitations and the stuff with which we are made.” It helps us be more willing to seek Him and all He’s made of. God bless you, Melody, and those beautiful poems that just keep coming out!
On October 30, 2012 at 11:42 pm Debbie said:

I need to keep doing that too, poet friend . ..trust and obey. Praying for us to do that right now! God bless you as you just keep giving in to Him.
On October 30, 2012 at 11:44 pm Debbie said:

What a great point, Wendy! I didn’t even think about that , but it’s a really good insight. Thank you for helping us stay on an even keel. God bless you and yours!
On October 31, 2012 at 3:43 am Moore to ponder said:

I love the words and the flow of this poem, too.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

“able to do great things
and be blessed
as we fear You, Lord
and Your Sovereigness.”

What great words!

Love,
Theresa
On October 31, 2012 at 3:48 am Debbie said:

Oh I love that verse, Theresa! Thank you for that! 🙂 God bless you as you live and move and do His good will today! love you and am praying for you!
On October 31, 2012 at 4:36 am Lady Deidre said:

It’s good to recognize God as hugely awesome thereby keeping us in our humbling state. Love it!
God Bless You!
On October 31, 2012 at 5:19 am Debbie said:

Thinking of God humbles us every time! 🙂 God bless you and your sweet family, Lady Dei!
On October 31, 2012 at 6:18 am Debbie said:

On occasion I’ve forgotten my frailty. It’s been in those moments that I’m fallen the hardest. Any time I tell myself that I wouldn’t/couldn’t make THAT mistake or commit THAT sin, I’ve opened the swung open the to pride and made myself vulnerable to the enemy.
Thank you for this sweet reminder of who I am and of Whose I am!
On October 31, 2012 at 7:10 am Debbie said:

Love you, gracious friend, and who you are and Whose you are! 🙂 He is really good at keeping us humbled, which is a good thing. Even when it doesn’t feel real good at the time. 🙂 God bless you and protect you in all your TSA assignments.
On November 1, 2012 at 4:39 am meetingintheclouds said:

You’ve done it again! So much in so few words!
It makes me think of how much could be accomplished if a group of people really acted on 2 Chronicles 7:14.

We serve an amazing God but He has chosen to work in and through His own children. “His sovereigness” is the key. When we count ourselves as nothing and give Him His rightful place, we will see His glory.
On November 1, 2012 at 6:56 am Debbie said:

Oh absolutely, mentor Angela, about 2 Chronicles 7:14! Great point! Praying to keep remembering my place and His! God bless you as you lift Him high! love and prayers!