So as I’ve been journeying through this True Woman meditation, I have been drawn to a study of meekness. This is a subject that, quite frankly, makes me uncomfortable. But I am finding the pursuit vastly enriching, more so than I could have ever imagined.

Let me start with a definition of meekness. Meekness is a heart attitude first and foremost toward God. Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines it as “that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.” This attitude of spirit recognizes that God is in control, and that God is working all things for our good and His glory. So, a meek spirit is a spirit that is at rest, that is confident in the Lord, and in His goodness and power. The question of meekness is not just an acknowledgement of this truth – it is a surrendering to it, a submission to the control of the Lord in our lives. It is accepting that ways and purposes of God as good, even if they imply a certain level of discomfort or suffering in our lives, knowing that there is a deeper purpose to these things than we can see.

Now, I want to apply this very narrowly – at least for now – because this hits a very important note in my own life, and perhaps it will in yours as well.

The issue of great importance in my life this year as been about wholeness. As I began the year, the word that the Lord placed on my heart was “wholeness” or fullness. So, as I seek to apply this concept of meekness to my life, it would mean (among other things) being whole and complete in the Lord and resting in that. A meek spirit accepts that which the Lord gives or allows as good. There is peace in that disposition. There is a trust in that, a security in knowing that in all things God is in control and do not need to strive and toil. That peace gives a sense of well-being, of wholeness, that can only be found in the hands of the Lord Himself.

So, if I am looking for other people to provide this wholeness or completeness, I cannot live with a meek spirit – I will not have a gentle and quiet spirit. I will be disappointed; I will be anxious, wondering what will come. I will be toil and straining, seeking to control circumstances and people to achieve what I think I need to make me whole. Another human being cannot provide this for me – they are looking for the same thing! Why do I think someone can give me what they don’t have themselves – what they must depend on the Lord to provide for them?

But if I am depending on the Lord for these things, I can live in peace and rest. And I can relate to others with gentleness, patience, peace, mercy, love – all the fruit of the spirit will spring forth from a meek heart because I know that the Lord is providing all I need.

May the Lord work this into my life…

More later…

Grace and peace.