Blessed Are the Meek

Read

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Think

In a world that glorifies dominance, self-promotion, and taking control, Jesus presents a radical truth: the meek will inherit the earth. At first glance, meekness sounds like weakness. But in Scripture, meekness isn’t about being timid or passive—it’s about having strength under control. It’s the ability to respond with humility when everything in you wants to react with pride.

Think about a skilled athlete in a high-stakes game. A great player doesn’t let emotions take over, lashing out when fouled or reacting to trash talk. Instead, they stay composed, knowing their discipline will ultimately lead to victory. That’s meekness in action—power harnessed, not wasted. Meekness isn’t the absence of strength; it’s knowing when and how to use it.

Tim Keller describes it as “self-forgetfulness”—not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Meekness is a “tamed strength”—like a wild stallion that has learned to move at its master’s command. True meekness doesn’t mean letting life walk all over you; it means trusting God to fight for you instead of constantly grasping for control. The world tells you to push ahead, demand your rights, and prove your worth. But Jesus says the real reward goes to those who trust rather than strive.

So how do you respond when you're wronged? When life doesn’t go your way? Meekness isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. It’s cultivated in surrender. Today, ask yourself: am I trying to control everything or am I trusting God with my future? Because in the kingdom of God, those who lay it down are the ones who truly win.

Apply

Let someone else take the lead. It could be as simple as letting a coworker share their idea first, allowing another driver to merge ahead of you, or choosing to listen instead of proving a point in a conversation.

Pray

Lord, help me to trust you instead of striving for control. Teach me to walk in true meekness. Give me a heart that chooses humility over pride, patience over frustration, and trust over fear. Today, help me to respond with grace, to let go of my need to prove myself, and to rest in the confidence that you are in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.