May 27, Self-Denial

Today’s reading: Psalms 131-135

“Lord, remember David
and all his self-denial” - Psalm 132:1.

David was God’s chosen and anointed one. That did not exempt him, however, from some serious challenges and tribulation, some of it through his fault, but most of it opposition that helped develop and shape David into an even more effective leader. In today’s verse, the psalmist commended David to the Lord’s attention, reminding the Lord of all that David had been through, which the writer described as “self-denial.” Self-denial is a way of life for the believer, for self is the greatest obstacle any believer has in his or her walk of holiness. Jesus knew this and urged His followers to make this self-denial not something that happened to them but something they did to themselves: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Where can you do a better job of self-denial? Listening to others when you want to talk about yourself? Interrupting your schedule for someone in need? What other ways can you think of where you can improve in that particular practice?