Strength in Weakness

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

It seems to me that in our modern and aggressive world, meekness is often misunderstood as a weakness. It is difficult for a person to be gentle and have a humble heart, and it is just simply not a part of someone’s nature to be meek and lowly in heart. Sadly, meekness is misinterpreted and often associated with being disadvantaged, fearful, and cowardly. It’s often much easier to be proud, influential, and strong. So if meekness isn’t weakness, then what is it? Even the dictionary defines meekness as “one without strength or courage”. I don’t know about you, but it’s not always easy to walk gently through life, not jump ahead or out of turn, and turn away from angry and aggressive behavior!

“But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” (Psalm 37:11)

The Bible on the other hand says that we are called to be meek, to practice spirit-control. Only the meek can be saved, and therefore as the children of God, they inherit the new earth.  We are called upon to practice meekness and to allow God’s peace to guard our heart and our mind. When we demonstrate meekness, we also demonstrate worshipful dependence, faith and self-assurance that we are letting God lead and direct our lives. Instead of despising our weakness, we are invited to embrace it knowing that God has a holy purpose for our weakness. And when we find ourselves weak we acknowledge that we are not powerful or strong, but instead we have a mighty savior to carry us through.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and humble at heart; and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

Peace comes from our heart because our confidence is in Christ. Jesus asks us to learn from Him to be weak and humble in heart, because He will be strong for us in our weakest state. We experience a settled quietness about us when we understand meekness; our pride melts and our strength goes beyond words and actions. That’s when we find little need to exert extra strength if we find ourselves under pressure. There is nothing more beautiful than a meek heart; one that knows Jesus is lovingly paying attention as we submit to our pride.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Boast about our weaknesses instead of our strengths? Yes, because being weak is really a source of our strength! In our weakness , His strength is made perfect; when we are lesser, He is greater!