I am focusing tonight on the continuation of purifying my heart. The first one on my list to examine is pride and the Lord has really convicted me.

• (noun) a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
• (verb) to be especially proud of a particular quality or skill.

Wow! As I read this definition along with God’s Word, unfortunately, I can see areas where I have let pride into my life, both at home and at work. I am praying the Lord will continue to show me these areas and help me purge them from my heart. My goal is to have a pure heart and to be able to say “Whatever pleases the King!”

James 4:6 tells me that “He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” As I think about this, pride is really at the root of all other sin. It creeps up slowly and takes over without realizing it. This allows me to justify and rationalize all other sins.

I am asking the Lord to forgive my pridefulness and to replace it with humility. Proverbs 22:4 tells us that “humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me toward humility and point out any areas of pridefulness in my life. I want the Lord to see me as humble and not prideful. 

I am thankful that my Heavenly Father can issue correction and still love me! I pray that He will help me to see everything in life without pride covering my eyes.