Acceptance of Things beyond Our Control

Adrian Pirness | The Voice of Zion November 2023 - What Does the Bible Say Article --

The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever. – Psalm 22:26

Written by King David, this Psalm contains texts suggested for Good Friday. David begins, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me” (v. 1). Jesus cried the same words from the cross on Good Friday. In despair, David speaks a message of hope: “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted and thou didst deliver them (v. 3,4). In our text, David writes of those who are meek: “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.”

Meekness – A Rich Word

As a Christian term, meekness can be described as the opposite of self-will or self-interest. God’s Word indicates meekness as having a humble attitude and patiently enduring offenses. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul highlights meekness as a fruit of the Spirit. Our society today primarily sees meekness as negative: deficient in spirit or courage, to be submissive or even a pushover. Rarely is meekness thought to be a desirable quality, especially when contrasted with individual pursuits and accomplishments. Society encourages, “Create your own destiny, forge your own path.” 

But another description of meekness is to endure injury with patience and without resentment. God’s Word speaks positively of meekness, encouraging it as a fruit of faith. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus teaches that the meek shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). David also writes, “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Ps. 37:11).

Meekness contains an aspect of submission to another. But the question is who or what are we submitting to? Peter writes, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). Everything we have is a blessing from our heavenly Father. Faith is offered as God’s grace gift, and He opens the heart to receive and cherish it. God grants the desire to endeavor, to battle against sin with the gospel of forgiveness. The strength to strive against the devil, the world, and our sin-corrupt flesh comes from God. Meekness causes us to acknowledge and accept that our human strength, ability, and understanding are insufficient. We depend on God’s grace and it is comforting to remain in His care.

Meekness Is Trusting God 

On the wilderness journey, the children of Israel found themselves without food. They were hungry and had reason to complain. But God fed them with manna from heaven. They were instructed to gather only enough for each day, except on the day before the Sabbath when they gathered enough for two days. Everyone had enough. They were satisfied and thankful for what God provided. “The meek shall eat and be satisfied.” 

But later they came to despise the food they once received with joy (Num. 21:5). Are we satisfied with the food God provides in His kingdom today? Sometimes we hunger for more. At festive services, at camp, or even when visiting with believing friends we don’t want it to end. Sometimes at services we listen for a particular message instead of praying that God would open His Word as He sees our need. At those times we may not hear what God had to say. We can be satisfied with what God gives for each moment. When God has protected in faith, we can say it’s always been enough. Let us not despise the food from heaven. God feeds us when we gather to hear His Word.

Meekness is calm acceptance of things beyond our control. Even when we don’t understand, isn’t it secure to leave matters in the care of our Father who knows, sees, and allows all things? We were reminded of this during the pandemic a few years ago. Things beyond our control, which we may have disagreed with, were certainly known by our heavenly Father. He allowed them for His purpose. We are slow to thank God for His care and blessings. He provides all that we need for this life, and He gives us hope of eternal life in heaven by faith. “They shall praise the Lord that seek him.”

A Battle Worth Fighting 

The battle is worth fighting! Paul instructs us, “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:12). Jesus reminds, “Behold, I come quickly: Hold fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11). Continue battling sin with the power of the gospel. We cannot attain meekness or the other fruits of faith through our own strength or power. On the contrary, aren’t we often impatient and selfish? It’s easy to put our own wishes and desires ahead of our loved ones’ needs and before the things God deems good for us. He only asks us to remain endeavoring, to believe the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. One day we will exchange our cross for a crown. “Your heart shall live forever.”