The Divine Adventure by Rebecca FriedlanderSample

Day Five

The Power of Meekness

Scripture: Psalm 149:4; Luke 14:7-11; Philippians 2:6-11

The game Musical Chairs taught us as children to listen closely while a tune plays—and then run when it stops, feverishly pushing others out of the way until we secure our place in the circle. We know what happens when we are too slow. We’re out of the game, ashamedly sitting on the sidelines until we’re given another chance. 

The spiritual practice of meekness counters the frantic momentum of “the game” with quiet dignity. Far from a cowardly trait, meekness places the disciple on the fast track to experiencing God’s divine adventure. It realizes there’s more at stake than winning. So, it pauses instead of racing ahead. It checks its tongue and holds it when needed. It chooses its fights carefully, often on the battlefield of prayer where only God sees. And he rewards. 

When practicing meekness, we realize that we don’t have to make it all happen, because Another is ready to fight for us. Instead of us bowing to the rhythms of this world, the Lord wants to be the music we listen for. The One who reserves our seat at the table. He loves calling us from obscurity to prominence. 

Embracing humility and meekness gives God space to work on our behalf. It’s choosing the low place and waiting for him to move. It’s hard. And good. A key to unlocking our divine adventure with the King. 

While many people would paint meekness with soft brushes in dull, muted colors, I believe the authentic definition requires bold blues and yellows. It requires a palette knife with an edge. It takes grit. Only the brave and undaunted have the courage to display this trait that heaven loves to honor.

God even promises a special type of beauty for those who embrace this trait: “For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation” (Psalm 149:4 KJV). What a wonderful gift on this spiritual adventure!

God, I particularly have trouble with the spiritual discipline of meekness in this area of my life: ______________. Help me see how to step back so I can give you space to work on my behalf, for your glory. Amen.