How can we apply the humility of "lick the dust" in our lives? Setting the Scene “May the nomads bow before Him, and His enemies lick the dust.” (Psalm 72:9) Licking the Dust – What the Phrase Signifies • A vivid picture of total prostration—face pressed to the ground, mouth touching earth. • Acknowledges absolute authority of the one before whom we bow (Psalm 72:9). • Associated in Scripture with repentant fear (Micah 7:17) and voluntary homage (Isaiah 49:23). • Shows the only safe posture before the holy God: surrendered, emptied of pride. Why Humility Matters • God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Christ Himself “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8). • The Spirit dwells with “the one who is contrite and humble in spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). Humility is not optional; it is the divinely approved path to grace, likeness to Christ, and intimate fellowship with God. Practical Ways to Live the Humility of Licking the Dust Personal Heart Posture • Begin each day acknowledging dependence: consciously confess, “Apart from You I can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Regularly repent of hidden pride, naming it and forsaking it (Proverbs 28:13). • Celebrate every ability or success as God’s gift, not personal achievement (1 Corinthians 4:7). Private Worship • Kneel—literally—when reading or praying through Psalms of confession (e.g., Psalm 51). A bodily act trains the heart. • Fast periodically; feeling physical weakness reminds the soul of spiritual need (Matthew 6:16-18). Relationships • Choose the lowest place in conversations and decisions (Luke 14:10). • Listen first, speak last, and refuse to defend ego. • Serve unnoticed tasks—cleaning, thankless errands—“not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Church Life • Submit willingly to Scripture-based leadership (Hebrews 13:17). • Welcome correction; “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). • Celebrate others’ gifts rather than competing (Romans 12:3-8). Public Witness • Respond to hostility with gentleness, entrusting justice to God (1 Peter 2:21-23). • Give credit to co-workers, taking the servant role (Mark 10:43-45). • Speak of sin and salvation plainly, remembering you too once “walked in darkness” (Ephesians 5:8). Long-Term Fruit of Dust-Level Humility • Deeper joy in God’s sovereignty—He lifts up those who bow low (1 Peter 5:6). • Authentic unity in families and churches where self-promotion dies (Psalm 133:1). • A compelling witness; the world is drawn to Christ when His people mirror His meekness (Matthew 5:5,16). |
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