Strength Under Control

Strength under Control

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

What do you think of when you hear the word meek? Do you picture someone frail, fearful, and timid? My husband, John, is one of the meekest people I know. He is tall, strong, intelligent, and wise. John is a former Marine, and his meekness has blessed me as we’ve parented our children together. In twenty-three years of marriage there have been many things that made John angry, but there have been very few times I’ve heard him raise his voice. Meekness is strength under control.

Meekness is not a character trait we hear much about. We hear more about assertiveness, optimism, and drive. Jesus was an example of meekness. In a time in history when the Romans ruled by domination, Jesus limited His power for our sakes. He wept over the lost. He gathered children around Him. And even Jesus’ act of turning over the money changers’ tables in the Temple was a sign of meekness. He could have called on a host of heavenly angels to destroy them instead.

Like any other people, the Amish are prone to anger and frustration, but their faith reins them in. Psalm 149:4 says, “The LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation” (KJV).

Meekness is required if we are to find salvation in Christ. We must acknowledge that God is holy and submit our human condition to His authority. We lay our egos on the altar and depend on God’s strength instead of our own. The meek understand that the greatest weakness is losing control of their emotions and themselves.

Do you know someone who is meek? Take time to let that person know how much you appreciate this less-honored trait. And next time you’re angry, instead of losing control, pray and ask God to help you. There are some things we should be angry about, yet with meekness a watching world will see us shine rather than sin.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Son as an example of infinite strength under control. Thank You, Lord, for all the times You’ve held back Your anger at things I’ve done wrong. Thank You for offering love when I don’t deserve it.