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Meekness Defined
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. – Matthew 5:5
This was a hard week, and words failed me. The circumstances of those around me grieved me deeply and reminded me of my own pain. Temptations to question God’s plan, goodness, love, and justice filled my thoughts.
Just last week, I was reading Kay Arthur’s words on meekness. She defines meekness as “humble submission to the will of the Father.” The meek person is one who says, “Yet not what I will, but what you will (Mark 14:36)” and “bows before the throne and realizes that the God who sits upon that throne is an all-wise God.”
Do you see the level of trust in God’s sovereignty that defines a meek person?
Meekness means I trust in God’s sovereignty, no matter what is happening around me or to me. I actively fill my mind with the truths of His word. I place my hope and joy in His promises.
Yet, Pain Remains
Yet, questions still flow through my mind. My flesh and spirit wrestle with doubts and anger.
Meekness doesn’t mean that I do not know or understand pain.
“God [Jesus] wanted God’s [the Father’s] will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, even though in that dark moment, God [Jesus] wished in body and soul that God’s [the Father’s] will could be done another way.” – Not My Will Be Done at Desiring God
I desperately wish that the losses of this past week did not happen. Trials fill this broken world, but, in the pain, I can look to Christ. He understands every groaning of my heart.
In your anger over injustice, see the sinless Christ beaten and killed. Hear His words again, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
When the pain seems unbearable, see the Son be forsaken by the Father. “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Whether you are hurting because of what you see in the world or what you have personally experienced, turn to your Heavenly Father today. Humbly submit yourself to His will, as Christ, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b)
This is such a practical application of that particular Beatitude. So often we are exhorted as women to be meek, when many of us do not come by it naturally! However, we are called to have a meek acceptance of God’s wisdom and will as HE plans our days.
Thank you for processing your grief over circumstances out loud for the benefit of your readers!
I just did a study on Jesus being the Lamb of God and my application was to think about how innocent He was and all that He suffered as the Lamb of sacrifice for my sins. So I’m really resonating with your words to us from this inspiring verse, Allyson. Thanks so much for sharing!
Amen… what a precious reminder that He is faithful and true and worthy of our trust, no matter what’s going on around us. This especially resonates with me this week, as my husband and I are waiting for some huge news and trying to stay focused on praising God whether He gives us the answer we want or the answer we don’t want. Thank you so much for sharing.
we see meekness as a weakness in this culture… but Jesus was meek. We should seek to live like Jesus – giving up our will (preferences in life) to seek God’s Will!
I love this post ! No matter who grieves us and wounds God remains Sovereign . He becomes our Healer .
Blessed are the meek !
Wonderful!
This is so beautiful. I love the definition of meekness you use. It really sends home for me this truth of a life surrendered completely to Christ.
Absolutely beautiful!!!!!!
Allyson, Oh sweet mom, my heart wells up in tears for you. I’m so sorry you had a trying week. Your words, “The circumstances of those around me grieved me deeply and reminded me of my own pain.” and “My flesh and spirit wrestle with doubts and anger.”—I can relate. It’s so hard to watch others choices and be reminded of the pain of our own choices. What I love about your transparency in sharing is that you also said, “Meekness doesn’t mean that I do not know or understand pain.” Amidst all of this your heart still turns to the One who heals all our wounds and whose sacrifice has covered a multitude of sins. Turning to Him—thank you for reminding us to do that—no matter our circumstances. He is faithful. Hugs to you and thank you, again.
Wow! What a powerful post. You are correct. I had never thought of meek from this specific perspective. Love it! #Salt&Light
What a great article. I love how you tied meekness in with God’s sovereignty. I don’t how people go through trials without understanding that God is in control! Thank you.
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