“My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.” — Psalm 34:2 ESV

One hundred percent, I want David’s proclamation to be true about me. I’m even memorizing this entire Psalm, writing a verse a day on an index card and practicing in quiet moments.

But yesterday, I was living out this truth instead:

“Maria makes her boast about how productive she is; let those around her hear and be impressed!”

By nightfall, the Lord had totally humbled me. The first time was late in the afternoon. I boasted to a friend who had texted to find out how our granddaughter was doing after her surgery. I hadn’t had time to check on Chloe until late in the afternoon because I had been so busy! Yet, in all my self-imposed busyness, I took the time to text this friend a list of everything that had kept me occupied.

Immediately, the Holy Spirit convicted me. I quickly sent another message to Ali and apologized. You would think that would have been enough for me to keep my mouth shut about myself.

Nope. Later on, we headed out to church after an early supper—Mike to choir practice and I, to join the weekly prayer meeting. After 30 minutes of focused prayer, while still lingering at our table, one gal asked me what the rest of my week looked like. I rattled off all the very productive activities I had ahead of me. The urge to impress took over as I regaled her and the others with the rich and productive, retirement life I choose to lead. 

Later, lying in bed with no distractions, I cringed when the Lord brought to remembrance the two times I could have boasted in the Lord instead of myself. That would have helped others to trust more in our good God. Instead, I wasted opportunities to bring honor to Him. 

While pondering what drives me to want to brag on myself, I think the sin behind this boasting is that I’m impressed with myself! From my heart, my mouth blurts out vanities.

As I read in a book recently, the only solution might be duct tape! And to stop thinking that anyone cares about the nitty gritty of my days. People are hungry, rather, for solid hope, the kind that only comes from the Lord.

As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.” 2 Corinthians 10:17

Feed on Him, the book, a year’s collection of daily Bible reflections, is available on Amazon in print or kindle.