Understanding Meekness: The Strength in Submission

What Is Meekness?

In today's world, where assertiveness is often celebrated, the concept of meekness can seem out of place. We associate boldness with success and consider calmness or humility as signs of weakness. However, this notion couldn't be further from the truth. This Hebrew word may be translated humble specifically when signifying strength of character in enduring without resentment. It’s not about being passive; it's about making a conscious choice to embrace humility and gentleness, trusting in God’s plan rather than our own.

The Call to Meekness

Matthew 5:5 states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This powerful verse challenges our perceptions by indicating that the true strength lies in being meek. It’s an invitation to submit to something greater: God’s will. This submission requires immense trust and faith, acknowledging that we aren't in full control. Instead of striving to exert force or control over our circumstances, we lean into God's guidance and choose to be faithful amidst chaos. It can feel daunting, but it also opens us to experience grace and strength in ways we might never have imagined. This is also a direct callback to Psalms 37, which is a Psalm dedicated to trusting the Lord in the midst of trouble, focusing on patience and waiting on the Lord. Verse 37:11 goes further to say, "The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Here we can infer that in submission to His will, is where we will find our peace.

Meekness and Trust

At its core, meekness is intertwined with trust. When we submit ourselves to God, we must believe that He knows better than we do. It means letting go of the need to always be right or in charge and recognizing that God's timing and paths are often beyond our understanding. Throughout the Bible, we see various examples of individuals who demonstrated meekness. They weren’t just meek in demeanor but also in their heart, showing incredible strength through reliance on God. Think of Moses, who was described as “very meek (humble in some versions), more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). His meekness didn’t equate to passivity; rather, it showcased his profound trust in God’s leadership.

In II Corinthians 10:1, Paul begins, "Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ..." While going to the cross was the greatest act of strength of submission the world has ever seen, even in how He prayed to the Father in the garden in Matthew 26:39 and again in 42 when He said "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done" showed this ultimate understanding and submission.

So why would we as believers forget that meekness isn't weakness when our King was described as meek? Through every act of humility, we reflect our allegiance to God and, in turn, tap into the strength that comes from faith. We realize that our worth is not gauged by how loud we can be or how much influence we wield, but by our heart posture and our willingness to submit to the divine.

Ultimately, embracing meekness can transform our interactions and our internal battles. It gives us the quiet confidence to remain steadfast, knowing that our strength is rooted in submission to God and ultimately the peace that God has promised in Psalms 37. So next time you encounter a decision that pushes you to assert your will, remember that meekness isn’t weakness; rather, it’s an empowered choice to trust God and walk in the path He has laid out for you. Pray as Jesus did, "Your will be done" and wait on Him to direct your path.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6