I am humbled

James 4:7-10

New Living Translation 

"Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor."

The emphasis was added by me - the part that hit me the most. Its profound: If I am truly remorseful for the way I have treated God or someone else, I should weep. I should feel a sense of loss and grief. Sadness instead of smiles, gloom instead of happiness. This doesn't mean I'll walk around with my head hung low over every mistake I make, but I should truly feel bad about it - especially the ways I act towards God - and repent. 

What a swift kick in the pants on this St. Patrick's Day. Thank you God for Your Word.