"But we have this treasure in jars of clay,
to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
- II Corinthians 4:7
This is a simple praise, from a simple creature:
What fragile beings we are...and yet, we house the very Spirit of the Creator of heaven and earth!
Lord I praise you for making us this way, to keep us humble, and yet, when you fill us, we are reminded how special we must be, for as lowly as we are, You still loved us so much that you gave us your Son! (John 3:16)
What a divine paradox - to be so weak and yet so loved at the same time!
Your burden is easy, yet we still require one. (Matthew 11:30)
You bless the meek, yet call us all to be strong and courageous. (Matthew 5:5; Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:6)
We are to remain humble, despite any greatness with which you have gifted us:
"He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence." - 1 Cor 1:29
"Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it? As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish the one who is not wood!" - Isaiah 10:15
"Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me—so that I would not become arrogant. I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me.But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." - II Corinthians 12:7-10
Indeed, may we always praise you for how you have made us - our imperfections and all, our weaknesses, our persecutions and cracked vessels - for all of it ultimately reminds us of Your Greatness, and Your Grace, which is sufficient. Amen.