When Jesus RulesSample

Calm and Resting

We now come to the third of the Beatitudes, meekness.

The Easton Bible Dictionary defines meekness to be of a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked. Meekness is the silent submission of the soul to the “providence” of God concerning us, says Mathew Henry.

The Bible gives us many examples of those who were meek. Abraham was a meek man and his response to the situation with Lot is an example (Genesis 13). Moses’ restraint and response when his siblings question his authority earn him the recognition of being the meekest man on the face of the earth (Numbers 12). David’s response when Shimei curses him is yet another powerful lesson for us (2 Samuel 16:5-13). Paul considered himself a slave to all for the sake of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19). Our ultimate example, of course, is Christ Himself who humbled Himself to become human (Philippians 2:5-8).

So, what does meekness look like in everyday life?

To be meek means to show a willingness to submit and work under proper authority. It also shows a willingness to disregard one’s own “rights” and privileges. To be meek before God is to submit to His will and conform to His Word. While to be meek before men, is to be strong – yet also humble, gentle, patient, and longsuffering.

Psalm 37:7-11 says meekness is being still before the Lord. Meekness is being patient, willing to trust God and wait for His perfect answer in His perfect time. And so, a person who is meek does not fret, fume or worry. A meek person is also one who restrains anger and delights in peace. A meek person is a listener and chooses words carefully. James 1:19-21 reminds us that the meek receive the saving power of the Word with gladness and reverently responds to the Word (Isaiah 66:2 MSG).

To be meek is to be lowly and of a humble spirit. Meekness is power and anger under control, calmness when hurt. To be meek is not to be weak or feeble. Meekness is to have calm confidence and a soul that is still and rests in Christ. Meekness springs from a heart of humility and radiates the fragrance of Christ.

We are called to cultivate the spirit of meekness (Colossians 3:12).

The blessing for those who are meek is that they will inherit the earth. “I had only to look upon it, all as the sun shone upon it, and then to look up to heaven, and say, ‘My Father, this is all thine; and, therefore, it is all mine; for I am an heir of God and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ.’ So, in this sense, the meek-spirited man inherits the whole earth.” (Spurgeon). An ample, ongoing supply of fresh joy from the Lord is promised to the poorest among believers and they will exult in the lavish provision of the Lord (Isaiah 29:19).

What today is keeping meekness from being evident in our everyday life – fear, worry, anger, pride? May we continually seek to develop this much-valued trait of meekness by calmly trusting and resting Him.

Lord, help me to increasingly trust, rest and submit to You and Your word, I pray.