These words can be translated several ways: "Your goodness has made me great." And David gratefully gave all the credit for his greatness not to his own goodness, but to God's. Another translation says "Your providence," and what is providence but goodness in action? Goodness is the bud; providence is the flower. Goodness is the seed; providence is the harvest.

Some translate it "Your help," which is just another name for providence—God's firm partnership with his people, strengthening them in their service. Others read it as "Your humility has made me great." Perhaps "Your condescension" captures all these ideas best. Here is the stunning truth: it is God making himself small that causes us to become great!

We are so insignificant that if God revealed his full greatness without stooping down, we would be trampled under his feet. But this God—who must bend low to see the heavens, who must stoop to observe what angels are doing—this God looks even lower still. He sees the humble and broken-hearted, and he lifts them up.

There are still other translations. The ancient Greek version reads "Your discipline—your fatherly correction—has made me great." The old Aramaic paraphrase says "Your word has increased me." But they all circle the same truth. David credits everything he has become to the stooping kindness of his Father in heaven.

May this same confession echo in our hearts tonight as we lay our crowns at Jesus' feet and cry, "Your gentleness has made me great!"

How marvelous has God's gentleness been to you! How gentle his corrections—even when they stung! How gentle his patience—when you deserved judgment! How gentle his teaching—when you were slow to understand! How gentle the way he draws you—never forcing, always wooing!

Meditate on this theme tonight, O believer. Let gratitude be awakened; let humility be deepened; let love be quickened before you close your eyes to sleep.