Friday, January 30, 2026

Bible in a Year: Psalms 3-5 | Acts 4

My dad still laughs about how I used to handle the word “no” when I was younger. I remember, too. Those moments when I’d hear “no” and just lose it. I am not someone who screams and yells, but I sure knew how to throw a good crying fit and slam a door or two. I can only imagine how he braced himself every time he said something I didn’t want to hear.

As an adult, I get that most of the “nos” in my life were actually for my own good. But back then, it felt absolutely impossible to accept.

It can take a lot of time and practice to learn how to handle disappointment without letting pride take over, can’t it? Wanting to live our own way and being unwilling to hear others' feedback are not easy when our hearts are filled with pride.

I’m not slamming doors anymore - but if I’m being honest, even as an adult, an unexpected “no” to something I’m desiring can still make my heart race and my eyes sting.

Thankfully, we can all grow and get better at letting go of what we want and choose to respect or honor the people around us.

So, what can we do with these prideful reactions? Scripture offers us guardrails.

Luke 14:11
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

We can combat pride by being humble. Submitting humbly gives us a chance to get our hearts back in the right place. It's not about always being right or in charge. Sometimes, it's about letting someone else lead, or even just showing that their heart matters, too.

Every time we lay down what we want for someone else, it chips away at our pride. When we serve with humility, we grow stronger inside and often in ways we didn't expect.

If you trust God and let him lead, he'll lift you up at the right time.

Start by turning those hard “nos” into a chance to say “yes” to him. Combat the pride that hides in your heart by being open to opportunities to move forward in humility by serving others and trusting God more than your own desires.

So go ahead - say yes to humility and watch how much lighter your heart feels when you finally let go of the pride that's weighing it down.

Questions:
Can you think of a recent situation where pride may have shaped your response or attitude?

Where is God inviting you to take a step toward submission today?

Next Steps:
Pride shows up in many ways - not just hearing “no,” but in defensiveness, entitlement, insecurity, or self-reliance. Take a moment to prayerfully reflect on ways pride has shown up recently in your life, journal what God reveals, and choose humility in response.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for being the living example of true submission and humility. You know my heart completely; please help me search it and reveal any hidden pride, so I may replace it with humility. I acknowledge that every good thing comes from you, and I long to surrender my selfish tendencies. Help me keep my eyes on you so I can follow the path you have prepared for me with a humble spirit. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 2:1
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.