Less of Me - More of God
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”
Matthew 5:3 - MSG
There’s an old saying that goes, “When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
All too often, we find ourselves trying to help God get His plans accomplished in our lives. We think we can handle it—whatever the “it” of the moment might be. We take control, make our own plans, and try to figure everything out.
But there is a blessing that comes when we finally realize that we can’t do it on our own.
When we recognize that we are not able to handle something without God’s help, we have come to the end of our rope. Hopefully, it is also when we come to our senses.
Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
To be blessed is more than simply being happy. It means being truly fortunate, favored, and spiritually enriched by God. And Jesus tells us that this blessing begins when we humbly recognize our deep need for Him.
That is what it means to be “poor in spirit.” It is not thinking poorly of ourselves. It is recognizing that, spiritually speaking, nothing we can do makes us worthy of God. We need His grace. We need His forgiveness. We need His strength. We need Him.
And when we finally recognize that, we are in a position to receive what only He can give.
There is an interesting connection here with the Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17 tells us that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
We are made righteous because of what Jesus has done for us. But the peace and joy we experience in our relationship with God often begin when we stop trying to control everything ourselves and allow Him to rule in our lives.
John the Baptist expressed this beautifully: “He must increase. I must decrease” (John 3:30).
What a simple statement—and what a difficult one to live. The world tells us that strength, independence, achievement, wealth, and self-reliance are signs of success. God shows us a different way. He values humility. He invites us to recognize our need for Him and to trust His ways above our own.
And perhaps that is why humility is so important. Before we can truly live for God, we must first recognize that we need God. The end of my rope says, “I can’t do this.” The end of myself says, “I don’t have to do this my way.” That is where surrender begins.
So today, the question before us is this: Can I allow God to rule? Can I humble myself enough to acknowledge that His ways are better than mine? Can I trust Him enough to release my need to control everything?
Perhaps the best question—and the most important one—is this: Have I reached the end of myself?
Food for thought today, friends. Food for thought…
Prayer
Lord, today I come to You with open hands and an honest heart. I confess how often I try to carry what was never mine to hold. Teach me the beauty of reaching the end of myself—not as a place of defeat, but as the doorway to Your strength. Help me to walk in humility, to welcome Your rule in my life, and to trust Your ways over my own. Increase Your life in me and gently decrease everything in me that competes with Your presence. Fill me with Your peace, Your joy, and Your steady grace.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
_____________________________________________________________________
For Continued Reflection
Continue your journey with God through my collection of “Free Devotional Booklets.” These booklets are written to help you in your walk with the Lord. They are free, downloadable, Scripture-centered booklets designed to encourage you in your faith and strengthen your walk with Him. I invite you to explore the growing collection here.
An Invitation
If you would like to receive the daily devotional in your email inbox, you’re welcome to subscribe on the Connect With Me page. It’s simply a peaceful way to stay encouraged each day.
