Today’s post is shared with us by Cynda Cottrill, our newest writer for the Seeking Him devotional blog!

We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

Blessed are the meek (those who are humble) for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

The word meek is often used interchangeably with the word humble.  Common definitions include “…gentle, tender, calm, not easily provoked, free from pride and not occupied with self.”  Vines Bible Dictionary defines meekness as “grace of the soul.”  I like that.  It speaks of the spirit within, the spirit with which we not only deal with the external (the circumstances of our life) but also the internal (how we accept God’s dealings with us).  Meekness is not just a characteristic or trait; it is an attitude, a way of life.  Being meek is not to be confused with, or seen as, weakness. It is more like self-control because we are aware of the infinite resources of God available to each of us in every situation.

So, why is it important to be meek?  There are many benefits.  As Matthew 5:5 says “the meek…will inherit the earth.”  This isn’t just about a place to be acquired or obtained.  It is God making His favor real in our lives.  Revelations 21:7 tells us “<they>…shall inherit all things.”  This inheritance is to receive the blessing of God as a gift.  It is our reward, our birthright, as children of the Most High King.  Doesn’t that just make your heart sing?

There are other benefits to meekness as well (found in the Scriptures below):

• Psalm 25:9 “He guides the humble” (AMP) or “He leads the meek” (NASB)
• Psalm 69:32 “The humble will see their God at work and be glad”
• Psalm 147:6 God sustains, supports, lifts up the meek
• Isaiah 29:19 “…the meek will increase their joy” (AMP) or “…the humble will be filled with fresh joy from The Lord” (NLT)

Great reasons to be meek! I would not want to miss out on any of these blessings. But the best reason for being meek is found in 1 Peter 3:4: “a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”  Meekness is very precious in the eyes of The Lord!

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥~ *

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You bestow upon us and the many opportunities we have to be blessed.  Being meek is not always easy, it does not come naturally to most of us.  But meekness is of great value and importance to You.  Lord, we ask that You help us develop a quiet and gentle spirit and willingly accept and submit to You and Your ways.  For we want our lives to be precious and pleasing to You.  In the precious name of Jesus, I ask this.  Amen…so be it!