Exaltation Comes From the Lord

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, December 20, 2022
For exaltation comes neither from the east, or from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge. He puts down one and exalts another.
Psalm 75:6-7 (NKJV)

During the inauguration of a new president in my country, the aide-de-camp quickly moved from behind the outgoing leader and stood behind the incoming one when the latter was sworn in. The difference was in the putting down of one man and the exaltation of another.

Promotions and Demotions

The immediate former president left the inauguration venue in a less glamourous motorcade while the new one assumed the trappings of power that the outgoing leader had enjoyed just a few hours before.

We experience many similar incidences every day, only that we do not publicize them. A long-serving manager exits the scene and hands over power, authority and money to another one. The retiring individual becomes an ordinary member of the society.

Elevation is From God

When we are in positions of power, authority, influence or wealth, we are likely to despise those below us. Millennia ago, Asaph the Psalmist wrote, “I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’ And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn. Do not lift up your horn on high. Do not speak with a stiff neck.’ ” (Psalm 75:4-5).

Asaph reminded the arrogant, “For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge. He puts down one and exalts another.” (Verse 6-7).

The Implications of Divine Promotion

Acknowledging the sovereignty of God over human life makes those in power to be humble. They realize that it is a privilege to occupy their current positions. Their gratitude to God makes them treat their subordinates with respect and kindness.

For those seeking to climb the ladder of influence and leadership in various aspects of life, this passage calls for patience. Because promotion comes from the Lord, they must trust that at the right time, God will exalt them.

Exaltation Comes From the Lord

If we truly believe in God’s message through Asaph, we will shun both arrogance and jealousy. In whatever position or situation God has placed you, serve with gratitude, joy, humility and patience because exaltation comes from the Lord!

Prayer
Almighty God, because exaltation comes from you, teach me to be humble and patient in all aspects of my life.