Though meekness rhymes with weakness, that is not what it is.
How illuminating it is to learn that it comes from two Greek words meaning: “used to” and “the hand.” Colin Smith likens this to the taming of a wild animal. They must get used to the hand of man. First they buck dangerously, rebelling when touched, fearful of man.
Watch about the first minute of this you-tube video
of a skilled horse trainer getting a horse “used to the hand.”
I love how after he has broken him, the trainer says: “He’s ready to trust us.”
A Christian who bucks at God, at the Word, at God’s will, and at God’s people does not trust God and is of no use.
I also loved how Colin Smith points out that an unbroken horse cannot win a race. Do you want to experience victory in an area? Meekness is what you need!
What I also see, when comparing this to Proverbs, is a parents great responsibility of “breaking a child in,” teaching that child to respect and obey authority. They must believe the parent loves them and obey the boundaries and discipline that parent gives. If they don’t, they will have a miserable life and be of little use.
Consider:
The principle here is that the child must learn to respect authority. If he does not, he may never respect the authority of teachers, pastors, employers, or ultimately, that of God.
Indeed, you will, as one proverb says “ruin his life.”
And over and over Proverbs tells us the wise man receives discipline but the fool will not.
Also, what does it mean when it says “the meek will inherit the earth?”
This study has been illumuniating for me, and I’m excited to do it together with you. God is unfolding treasures.
Sunday:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. Did you sense the presence of God in church this morning or in another way recently?
Monday: Greek Meaning of Meekness
3. Read Matthew 5:5 in several translations and share what you learn.
4. Meditate on “used to” “the hand,” and compare it to training a horse.
- Why does a wild horse buck and rear at the first touch of a human hand?
- In one of our “Seeker Studies” a woman said, “I don’t want to become a Christian for I don’t want to give my will up to God.” I appreciated her honesty and I know how to pray for her. Did you have those feelings? What has helped you to trust Him?
- Share a time (recently if possible) where meekness in your response to the Lord God brought happiness.
- What insight does the Greek meaning of the word “meek” give you?
Tuesday: Gleaning on Meekness from Psalm 37
The same word meek is used in Psalm 37, though it may be translated “Meek,” “gentle” “hoping in the Lord,” or “waiting on the Lord.” Before you delve into this, ask the Lord to give you light.
5. Read Psalm 37 in its entirety looking for repetitive themes. What do you see?
6. One theme is not to fret over evil men.
- Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
- How could this understanding relate to helping you not to fret or lose control when someone sins against you?
- Is there a situation to which you could apply this now?
- Spurgeon said, “Small pots boil over.” What do you think he meant?
7. Another theme is to wait on the Lord.
- Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
- Share a time when you either did or did not wait on the Lord and the results.
- What promises come to those who wait on the Lord?
8. A repeated theme in Psalm 37 is that the meek will inherit the land. Find it and share what you learn.
I never understood this until I realized, as N. T. Wright says “It is not we who go to heaven, but heaven comes down to earth.” God will renew the earth and join it with a renewed heaven. This helps me understand this.
9. Challenge question: Why do you think Jesus says “the meek will inherit the earth?”
Wednesday: The Parallel with Parenting
As God disciplines us to help us to learn to trust Him and submit to Him, so He calls us to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. This generation in general, does not submit to authority, but we as believers should be raising children who do, or they will be of no use to the Lord.
10. What do you learn from the following proverbs about wise parenting?
- Proverbs 13:24
- Proverbs 19:18
- Proverbs 22:15
- Proverbs 29:17
I know spanking is controversial, but there is a right and a wrong way to spank. We spanked our biological children when they were little, but learned to never do it in anger, but calmly, with regret, and in obedience to God. We did not spank our adopted daughters for they had each experienced abuse. All it took with them was a stern look and even that could be crushing. The point is to teach the child to respect authority and obey, and various forms of discipline may be used.
11. If you have parented, did you find the above helpful? If so, explain.
12. For your God Hunt, share a way you experienced God’s help in ministry: whether parenting, teaching, nursing…
Thursday-Friday: Message
13. Listen to the following and share your notes and comments.
14. Did the Lord speak to you through this? If so, how?
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way and why?
86 comments
What stood out to me was the root definition of meekness. I always thought of it more as humble. Getting used to the hand is a new way to look at it.
I know!!! So helpful!
I still don’t know if I get it, Dawn.
Accepting the hand requires trust. We raise cattle. A calf that is handled by people soon after birth is usually easier to work with later as a cow/bull. It’s interesting though, that a calf who’s mother is less tame will often be the same.
My kids raise 4H animals and the more they work with them, the better they behave in the ring at the fair. Good life lessons.
Very interesting, and applicable to us as people and to us raising children.
All so interesting, Chris. I often laugh that my adopted children were much easier to raise than my biological children. I fear they inherited my strong will!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? Two things 1. There is conflict in my reaction to the horse being broke in. I honestly feel sorry for him that he lost his wild and ‘natural’ life in the wilderness. I have to reframe my thinking, especially in regard to this analogy applying to the human-God relationship. The wilderness is dangerous. There is safety, protection, and love in the care of humans. But there is also a loss that has to be acknowledged as well. However the horse can still enjoy that beauty while still being meek.
2. “Do you want to experience victory? Meekness is what you need!” How I long to feel His reigns guiding my steps in parenting and other relationships but I fear I still am straining against the ropes trying to get out of the fence …. i am not “used to His hand.”
Interesting thoughts, Jill. I like how Keller uses the song “Born Free” and then says, “but none of us are.” We are under sin’s dominion until we learn how to be under a good and loving God’s d0minion!
I felt the same way about the horse Jill!
Jill and Laura, I love how you two often offer a different and eye-opening perspective on stories that Dee share here. I love it when my eyes are opened to “different” and be “intellectually hospitable” (learned this phrase from another study we did here a while back). And since I struggle with the idol of approval, I appreciate the warmth and honesty you bring here. They serve as a reminder to me that I do not always have to agree with everybody. And perhaps, just like what you both did for me, I can be the other “voice” offering a different take on things.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
~ The definition of meekness. The word meek is part of my maiden name. For too many years I thought meek meant shy. Kay Arthur in her book As Silver Refined says, “The opposite of meekness is not strength but rather a lack of control, an untamed and unbroken wildness.”
~ Dee, thank you for the clip of the wild horse being broken. I was raised in northern Wyoming and near a beautiful wide open range for wild horses. My dad was on a committee to help preserve these beautiful animals in their wildness. But, your video clip of the horse being broken, reminded me of a wonderful documentary called Buck ~ The true story of a wonderful, wise and gentle man who helps people with their horse problems. Buck Brannaman lives two hours from me near Sheridan, Wyoming. This documentary won a Sundance Film Festival award in 2011 and provides such beautiful analogies for us humans about how a horse learns to trust. There can be a mysterious beauty between the horse and the rider once that trust is sealed. When Robert Redford found out about Buck, he came to Wyoming and made a movie out of his story (The Horse Whisperer).
Documentary Trailer for Buck : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4QcyvNh49o
Great input, Nila — and it will be fun to see that documentary!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I often wonder what we did wrong in raising our kids. Two seem to be less disrespectful of authority and two disregard it much of the time. I swear we raised them the same! So, does this mean it’s more about character? Does it mean that we should have recognized the middle two were going to be that way and “break” them differently? I don’t think we could have known that they would be that way; they were so sweet as adolescents. It was when they got around older kids in middle and high school that the problems arose. They lost interest in their hobbies, they (seemed to) sought out the questionable kids to hang around, and they total rebelled against our discipline. At one point we had our 16 yr old son put under house arrest for 6 months (by the court) so we could keep track of him. He was prone to take off for days on end and we wouldn’t know where he was. He respected that at least. We didn’t allow them to have luxuries like cell phones, and when our son failed to show up for drivers ed class three times and got kicked out, we did not pay for another class. He got his license much later (20?). I think some of it is character. My advice to anyone raising kids is to (perhaps) remember the “…prone to wander…” bit of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing and assume that all kids are just that. Not that anyone is asking for advice or anything…
2. Did you sense the presence of God in church this morning or in another way recently?
So, I haven’t said anything about this to anyone, but it’s happened several times that I suppose I should acknowledge it now. One day, months ago, I thought I saw one of those angels (you know, the chubby ones one their tummies with their head in their hands in paintings?) in my fake granite bathroom countertop! Not the whole angel, but the face. I couldn’t find it again so I thought it was a strange vision (or I am actually going crazy). I searched a few more times over the months to no avail. A few weeks ago I found another “character” of sorts in the same countertop, so I thought okay, this fake granite just appears to have faces in it. I am not crazy! Today, I saw the chubby angel and another right next to her. I quickly pulled out a marker and drew around both to show my husband later. Hahaha….maybe there really are angels?
Laura, I found this article helpful…hope you do https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/dont-give-up-praying-for-your-children
Thanks Sharon! Great article.
You’re welcome:-)
Sharon,
Thank you for this article.
Tears.
Grateful that you posted this here for us.
I loved that point too, Sharon. And I don’t want to be a fretter! And thanks for the article.
Laura, if it is any comfort, I certainly know many wonderful parents who have children not walking with the Lord. We made so many mistakes, so it is all of grace are children are where they are. Proverbs are generalities, not promises.
That’s comforting, Dee. Thanks!
What stood out was the Aussie accent of the horse trainer haha! (Cause I’m an Aussie). :). Seriously tho…I want to be meek & trainable & to trust the Lord with my life.
Your comment makes me smile, Jenny 🙂 I love the Aussie accent (though I’m a Wyoming/Montana girl).
The clip I posted earlier this morning here from a documentary about a horse whisperer tells the story of a man who trains horses with gentleness and in the documentary you can hear and see him often speaking comfort to the horse. I think that I learn to trust our Lord a little more every time I sense his comfort……. and we are often in need of comfort and reassurance.
This song Like a Lake by Sara Groves is such a beautiful description of trusting our God as we wrestle with pain and attempt to let go to trust. Maybe you need this song as much as I do today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XTSGQbicZM
Thank you, Nila, for the song. It’s a great way for me to start my Monday!
Interesting Jenny! Do you actually hear the accent if you have it as well? Is it because you live in the states and don’t hear it anymore (I’m guessing)? I have a southernish accent and really notice the difference when I go “home.” I live in the north now.
Sunday
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
This statement, “A Christian who bucks at God, at the Word, at God’s will, and at God’s people does not trust God and is of no use.” I remember when our kids were little, we took them to ride horses. The horse my daughter was on had a mind of its own as it didn’t want to go for the ride. So, I just whispered it it’s ear and said, I’m the boss, you’ve got special cargo on your back and you will do what I say and proceeded to lead it where I wanted it to go and it did. When we got done with the trail and went back to the stalls the lady asked if I had any problems. I told her none at all after we had a discussion, she looked at me funny and proceeded to say that several people had returned that horse for another one because it was giving them problems. I did wonder why they were still allowing the horse to be ridden but, that horse needed someone it knew wasn’t afraid and it trusted. It didn’t buck me, did my will and therefore was able to serve its purpose. That above statement is an eye opener for my life.
2. Did you sense the presence of God in church this morning or in another way recently?
God revealed to me the sin of gossip in my life Friday and it was like a knife through my heart. I tried to justify it but I just couldn’t go to sleep. I knew I’d broken God’s heart and I’m thinking I studied mourning over your sin, you should know better but BAM I indulged…why? God’s working on my heart and I’ve got idols I need to deal with. I feel like an onion…so many layers.
Awe. Seems like this should get easier, doesn’t it? Feeling your pain.
Love your heart, Sharon.
Sunday:
1. 1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
“An unbroken horse cannot win the race”. I want to win the race set the Lord has set before me. Oh, how I need meekness in my life!
2. 2. Did you sense the presence of God in church this morning or in another way recently?
My frustrations have been high lately regarding my Mom and my brother’s family situation in the Philippines. I felt I am being distracted from the work I need to do here in the U.S. yet I know I need to address these issues. I went for a walk yesterday and asked God for clarity and guidance. He reminded me of his promises in James 1:5 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and I Peter 5:7 God is with me and will guide me and He has given me peace and hope for what lies ahead.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I admit that my flesh is in a battle daily and I need to put on the armor of God. It’s easy to feel like I have it handled and need to go back to the first step of humility again. I have a daughter who is struggling with obedience currently. She comes to mind regarding someone who needs to learn to get used to the hand. I need to earn her trust, but also break her will to have her own way.
2. Did you sense the presence of God in church this morning or in another way recently? Yes. Most definitely. We sang, ‘Speak, O Lord’.
Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
Holy reverence, true humility;Test our thoughts and our attitudesIn the radiance of Your purity.Cause our faith to rise; cause our eyes to seeYour majestic love and authority.Words of pow’r that can never fail—Let their truth prevail over unbelief.
The tears were falling as these words spoke so clearly to me. My own failure to be humble with regard to my mom and taking an attitude of unforgiveness towards her, rather than trusting God in the midst of that struggle and knowing that He was right there. I should have trusted Him with the outcome of our relationship. I took a self-righteous attitude and distanced myself and my family from her, when instead we could have been there to witness Christ’s love to her.
What a sweet testimony in regard to your mother! I have some of the same issues. Thanks for posting this.
1. “A Christian who bucks at God, at the Word, at God’s will, and at God’s people does not trust God and is of no use.” And, “an unbroken horse cannot win a race.” Yes, I do want to experience victory. I know what bucking feels like. It is digging in my heels and in my spirit saying, ‘I will not.’ But it is so obvious here that is the way to failure, to disgrace. I want to be a fit tool in my Master’s Hand. I want to submit to Him.
2. This morning at church it came to me so clearly how willing Christ was to go to the cross, out of His great love for me. I’ve known that for a long time, but it felt so close this morning.
Dee, I looked ahead to tomorrow. Do you mean Matthew 5:5 rather than 5:3?
Thanks for catching that, Mary.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
I absolutely loved the video as a metaphor of what meekness looks like for i too had no idea it meant “used to” and “the hand”. Looking forward to seeing God’s hand move this week!
2. Did you sense the presence of God in church this morning or in another way recently?
YES. Remember when I had you all praying that God would bring fellowship here in my town? He answered above and beyond. The other desire of my heart was to see my children love and desire Him for I was growing concerned. Well, He surprised me. Where do I start? This year God had me room with a mom, who lives in my town, when I went to a band competition for my son. She is a believer and woah-she has such an honest and humble heart. I see her growing as she is going through a huge trial in her life where God is breaking and remaking her. Then in that same month, God gave my son Andrew a girlfriend who loves Jesus-whose desire is to be a missionary like her parents. Andrew asked her to prom this past school year and they have been together since. I have gotten to know her mom and woa! She is humble and so desires to grow closer to Jesus. Just like the other mom. The three of us met this past Saturday morning to decide what book of scripture we will do together. We are going to meet on Saturday mornings. My desire is to slowly pull more women in my community into our study as time goes on but for now it will be just us and we will wait on God. So pray!!
Love love love these answers to prayer.
Isn’t He amazing?!? 🙂 🙂
So excited to see these answers, Rebecca!
3. Matt 5:5. Williams- blessed are the lowly in mind, for they will possess the land.
Amplified – spiritually prosperous, with life joy and satisfaction in God’s favor regardless of their outward conditions are the patient…
Phillips – happy are those who claim nothing, for the whole earth will belong to them.
MacArthur Study – meekness is the opposite of being out of control. It is supreme self control empowered by the Spirit.
so, my paraphrase reads: Spiritually prosperous with satisfaction in God’s favor are those who claim nothing for themselves, but are controlled completely by the Spirit, for the whole world will be theirs in the future.
4. 1) The wild horse reacts negatively to human touch because it is foreign to him, not trusted, and asks him to do what he doesn’t want to do.
2) I don’t remember having feelings of resistance to God like this prior to coming to Him. I just thought He wouldn’t take me. But it sure is something I’ve struggled with since, as He probes deeper into me. Remembering and meditating on His great Love helps me get over that barrier, but it often takes way more time than it needs to.
3) It’s a funny thing. I can recall the exact sensation of finally saying yes to Him, but I can’t remember the circumstances. It’s as though once I make that transition, it’s over and better and I’m so happy I no longer remember what I fought Him on.
4. Greek for meek is used to plus the hand. To me that makes sense that I’ve needed, and still need, to get more and more used to His Hand so that I respond in faith. Though, when I think about it more, I’m not so much bucking as balking. I don’t resent Him being in the saddle, as I fear going over the hurdles and stop short. In any case, I’m still not trusting Him as He deserves.
Monday
3. Read Matthew 5:5 in several translations and share what you learn.
Some translations use meek and some use gentle. The Message says, “when you’re content with just who you are – no more, no less.” The Amplified translates gentle as “the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, and the self-controlled.” I feel that “used to” “the hand” goes deeper with the meaning of meekness.
4. Meditate on “used to” “the hand” and compare it to training a horse.
1. Why does a wild horse buck and rear at the first touch of a human hand?
The touch of a human hand is foreign to it and therefore doesn’t trust.
2. In one of our “Seeker Studies” a woman said, “I don’t want to become a Christian for I don’t want to give my will up to God.” I appreciated her honesty and I know how to pray for her. Do you have these feelings? What has helped you to trust Him?
I’ve had these feelings through times of rebellion in my Christian walk. His faithfulness in my life always helps me to trust Him…He’s never given up on me!
3. Share a time (recently if possible) where meekness in your response to the Lord God brought happiness.
Just last Friday when God showed me my heart of gossip. We had quite a conversation and I finally bowed my heart to His.
4. What insight does the Greek meaning of the word meek give you?
The importance of of submitting to Him…He knows best, He will provide, He disciplines, He loves, He’s faithful, He forgives and the list goes on!
3. Read Matthew 5:5 in several translations and share what you learn.
Several said, Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” NASB replaced “meek” with “gentle.” CEV used the word “humble.” The Message: ““You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”
Yesterday, in the sermon, our pastor emphasized the importance of the context of the passage. This morning I noticed that, in addition to the online version of the Gospel Transformation Bible, I also had the Global Study Bible in my account. When I was rereading the sermon text from yesterday, I also looked at the study Bible notes from both those versions and noticed that the Global Study Bible placed much more emphasis on the context.
I also checked the notes on both for this passage. The difference wasn’t as great but here they are (intros to chapter). Global Study Bible: “Speaking to his disciples, Jesus explains the reality of discipleship in the everyday world through the presence and power of the kingdom of God. These teachings form a challenging but practical systems of ethics that Jesus expects his followers to live by in this present age. This “Sermon on the Mount” is probably a summary of a longer message that Jesus may have given a number of times in various forms…” Gospel Transformation Bible: “Jesus has just called his first disciples to follow him, and they have enthusiastically responded to his call to join him in gathering people into the kingdom in the same way they once gathered fish from the sea. Now Jesus begins to teach his disciples how their own lives can serve as examples to others of what the kingdom of God will look like when it comes.” and on v. 5: “Because they understand their true position of weakness before God, the “meek” (v. 5) have a humility that translates into treating others with kindness.”
If I remember right, both emphasized that the Sermon on the Mount is not a list of requirements for entering the Kingdom of God.
Great notes.
Yes, not requirements for entering, but perhaps evidence that one has. Of course, that is tricky, as we are all in process.
3. Read Matthew 5:5 in several translations and share what you learn.
If you are meek (gentle, kind hearted, you will “inherit” the earth. One version (MSG) said being content with who you are blesses you and you then are an “owner” of things that can’t be bought.
4. Meditate on “used to” “the hand,” and compare it to training a horse.
I guess it means the horse would become comfortable to the trainer’s authority.
Why does a wild horse buck and rear at the first touch of a human hand?
I’m not that familiar with horses but I’m guessing it’s because the horse has never felt that type of touch before. It is unusual and the horse might be afraid.
In one of our “Seeker Studies” a woman said, “I don’t want to become a Christian for I don’t want to give my will up to God.” I appreciated her honesty and I know how to pray for her. Did you have those feelings? What has helped you to trust Him?
I have had those feelings before and maybe even now, otherwise why do I do the things I know I should not?
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
Romans 7:15 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/rom.7.15.esv
It helps when I do have something I trust the Lord to take care of, and things work out well. Then, I can look back on that time and remember how he helped me once. I also am comforted when I study the Bible through bible studies. I have trouble finding verses myself, but I glean so much when there is an actual study I am doing.
Share a time (recently if possible) where meekness in your response to the Lord God brought happiness.
I suppose the way my husband and I have taken care of our grandkids; they are a blessing.
What insight does the Greek meaning of the word “meek” give you?
I think the more I learn from the Bible about God, the better I get at developing my character to be more of what He wants me to be, according to His will.
Job’s story is a particularly good one to remember. Job never knew why he went through all the trials. He accepted (after a reminder from God admittedly) and never gave up on his faith.
3. Read Matthew 5:5 in several translations and share what you learn.
I saw the word gentle or humble in place of Meek.
4. Meditate on “used to” “the hand,” and compare it to training a horse.
When a wild horse is not used to being touched or controlled, when touched or led anywhere than what she is used to she reviles and pulls back and can hurt the trainer pursuing her. She seems as if she sincerely believes she will die if she relents so she must fight it. The trainer’s hand must persevere and pursue the horse until she relents and trusts but this is done not by not rushing in to touch with the hand until she is used to the trainer and begins trusting that this person isn’t going to hurt her. Eventually she will relent and yield. Once she trusts the trainer and submits the hand comes in and loves on her by touching her.
I’ve been meditating on the thought several of you expressed about the beauty of wild horses and some sadness on having them “broken.” Perhaps this is where an analogy has flaws — for when you think about wild people, they are not so beautiful, but rather bring pain and chaos.
Dee, have been thinking on this and I don’t think this analogy does have flaws because a horse that hasn’t been broken isn’t of any use, has no purpose. Yes, they’re beautiful to look at but they’re still wild and can be dangerous and destructive. I think of meekness as power under control…just my thoughts.
Good thoughts!
5. Read Psalm 37 in its entirety looking for repetitive themes. What do you see?
We should trust in the Lord. He will take care of evil people.
6. One theme is not to fret over evil men.
Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
“For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.”
Psalms 37:17 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/psa.37.17.nlt
God will punish the evil and take care of the Godly.
How could this understanding relate to helping you not to fret or lose control when someone sins against you?
I need to remember that it isn’t my problem to deal with, it is God’s. He will see the issue through though it may take a long time.
Is there a situation to which you could apply this now?
Absolutely! My daughter and her boyfriend (unfortunately).
Spurgeon said, “Small pots boil over.” What do you think he meant?
Hmmmm….maybe that those of us who don’t consider the above discussion (about being patient and waiting for God to take care of business) tend to get angry and lash out?
7. Another theme is to wait on the Lord.
Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”
Psalms 37:7 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/psa.37.7.nlt
Share a time when you either did or did not wait on the Lord and the results.
When our second oldest wanted to drop out of school and take the GED I really didn’t want that to happen. I didn’t trust our kid to do the right thing or that to be the right choice for him. I finally relented after “giving the situation to God,” and he took the test and passed with flying colors. He later went to culinary school and has a degree as a chef. He still struggles with “what he wants to be when he grows up,” but overall he is well.
What promises come to those who wait on the Lord?
The Lord will take care of those who wait patiently. Even in times of famine it says they will have enough to live.
8. A repeated theme in Psalm 37 is that the meek will inherit the land. Find it and share what you learn.
“The godly will possess the land and will live there forever.”
Psalms 37:29 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/psa.37.29.nlt
God will honor us with the land if we are righteous and depend on Him to deal with evil people. We will see the wicked punished.
He will never abandon the godly. The children of the wicked will die.
The godly will not be disgraced. They will live in peace and prosperity.
5. Themes… Fret and worry over the wicked.
Trust in God.
Meekness and hope in the Lord.
Inheritance of the land.
Thoughts… When I stop and think about it, the land was the near ultimate wealth. The only thing better was to have a ‘name’ for yourself. So – is God saying He will give us the ultimate wealth along with His Name? Sounds pretty exciting to me! Then in vs 24- though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His Hand… I see that same Hand that tames to also be the One who cares for and protects.
That’s an interesting insight, Mary, about land being the ultimate wealth. There is more to it, but that is beautiful!
5. Read Psalm 37 in its entirety looking for repetitive themes. What do you see?
-Don’t fret, v. 1,7,8 (because of evildoers)
-evildoers & they will go away, God will take care of justice. v 1-2, 7,9,10, 13,15,17,20,22, 36, 38
-God’s faithfulness to those who trust, wait, delight in Him vs 4,5,6,9,11, 17, 22, 25-29,30-31, 32-34, 37-40. Repeated words include trust, wait, dwell, justiceThis phrase from v 3 “dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness” keeps jumping out at me, maybe partly because I don’t know what it means!
Interesting “befriend faithfulness” — NIV 1984 says “enjoy safe pasture” — may mean more to the Israelites who endured so much war and to those who live in war torn countries…
5. Read Psalm 37 in its entirety looking for repetitive themes. What do you see?
Righteousness vs. wickedness
6. One theme is not to fret over evil men.
1. Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
We’re not to fret or be envious of them. They’ll soon fade away like grass and wither like flowers. They’ll be destroyed and will disappear. The Lord just laughs at them as He sees their day of judgement coming. Their swords will stab their own hearts and their strength will be shattered. They will die and disappear like smoke. The Lord will not let them succeed. They will be destroyed and have no future.
2. How could this understanding relate to helping you not to fret or lose control when someone sins against you?
God’s got my back!
3. Is there a situation to which you could apply this now?
I can’t help but think of all the evil taking place in our country and how easy it is to get caught up and forget that God’s got in all under control…He IS in control!
4. Spurgeon said, “ small pots boil over.” What do you think he meant?
Interesting quote and good visual. The less we trust and wait on the Lord to take care of someone who sins against us the quicker we’ll fret and get angry.
6. Another theme is to wait on the Lord.
1. Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
Trust (delight, commit, be still, wait patiently, hope )in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. He will give you the desires of your heart. He will help you, make your innocence radiate like the dawn and justice if your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Don’t lose your temper – it only leads to harm. You will possess the land, live in peace and prosperity. Better to be godly and have little. The Lord takes care of the godly and innocent and they will receive an inheritance that will last forever. Not disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have enough. Godly are generous givers, never abandoned, or their children begging for bread, give generous loans and children are a blessing. The Lord directs their steps and delights in every detail of their lives. Thought they stumble, they will never fall for the Lords holds them by the hand. He will keep them safe forever and they will live forever. The godly offer good counsel, teach right from wrong, made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from His path. He won’t let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial. A wonderful future awaits those who love peace, honest and good. He rescues the godly and is their fortress in times of trouble, helps them, saves them and they find shelter in Him.
2. Share a time when you either did or did not wait on the Lord and the results.
It was many years that my husband was in a job situation where he wasn’t treated fairly and taken advantage of. I prayed and waited on the Lord to either change the situation or provide a different job. He had looked into several jobs around the Northwest but they all fell through. Little did I know that His answer after those many years would be to pluck us out of Oregon and move us to North Carolina (that’s not what I prayed for exactly) but the Lord sure knew what He was doing.
3. What promises come true those who wait on the Lord?
See above answer in #1.
8. A repeated theme in Psalm 37 is that the meet will inherit the land find it and share what you learn.
Those who trust the Lord will possess the land. The lowly will possess the land. Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. The righteous will inherit the land. Wait for the Lord and keep His way, He will exalt you to inherit the land.
9. Challenge question: Why do you think Jesus says “the meek will inherit the earth?”
From what we’ve just studied a meek person is someone who is “used to” “the hand” of God in their lives. Meaning trusting, delighting, committing, being still, patiently waiting, hoping in the Lord, being obedient and living a righteous life. Also, the quote from N.T. Wright helps me understand this better as well…we will inherit the new earth joined in with a renewed heaven!
How awesome is that!
It did surprise me to see you in North Carolina — so that is the back story!
6.1. Fret and envy, especially of the wicked is shortsighted, vs 2 says they are only like grass. Vs 8-11 say that anger and fretting lead to evil, not to anything good or lasting, as opposed to the spiritual wealth God offers the meek.
2. To think on this would help me remember that I’m after bigger goals, and let go of the petty things.
3. Am I fretting over anything? I did for a lot of July. I think I’ve come to peace within myself, though I’m also sad that the situation isn’t resolved. My daughter in love still won’t say what she is unhappy with us about. To me, it has made a major break in our relationship, and I don’t know that we’ll ever fully recover from it. But my conscience is clear and my door is open. I have no anger toward her, and am content to leave it with the Lord.
am I envious? At times. Nothing that is eating at me now. And that is what fretting and envy do – they eat you up on the inside. Consume your thoughts and your time. I don’t want to be like that. Instead I want to turn to the Lord.
4. Small pots don’t have much room, so it doesn’t take much heat for them to boil over. Small people become upset over the slightest thing. People who walk with the Lord grow bigger, and learn to take things in stride. They consider the source, they bring it to God, and they choose to forgive.
7.1. Waiting on the Lord leads to an inheritance, having value passed down to me that I didn’t earn. He will give me my desires. In vs 34, waiting on the Lord leads to Him exalting you.
2. My size is a direct reflection of not waiting on Him, of not trusting that He will a. Provide for me, b. Give me good things, and c. Meet my desires, even my desire for Him. I’ve been learning from here and from James, that the desires He will meet are not selfish or self seeking, but rather those that honor Him. I know in my head that He wants for me to most desire Him, and that then He will give me Himself.
3. Promises- vs 6 He will make my righteousness shine and grant justice as bright as noon.
vs 9 inherit the land
vs 11 give great peace
Other promises of being upheld, having your inheritance endure forever, being able to weather disaster or famine, having blessed children, to not be forsaken, to be protected forever, not to slip, not left in the power of the wicked, not condemned, He will be our stronghold, and He delivers us. The whole chapter is full of promises.
Your post is so thoughtful Mary. I especially liked you answer to number 3; so touching. Thank you.
8. The meek will inherit the land. The evil will be taken away, but those who hope in God will be left to enjoy the land with great peace that lasts forever. It is a blessing from the Lord to inherit the land, and we will dwell in it forever.
9. Bonus question. I think Jesus says the meek will inherit the earth because it is the meek, those who have been tamed by Him and exhibit the great self control of the Spirit who will outlast the wicked and be given a beautiful new earth to live on and in.
10. Wise parenting. 1. Prov 13:24 It is actually hatred of the child that leads a parent to not discipline. I remember being so weary and not wanting to deal with them. It was pure selfishness on my part.
2. Prov 19:18 When we discipline we are giving hope and deterring our children from death.
3. Prov 22:15 Children come with foolishness, or folly, bound up in them, but discipline helps remove that.
4. Prov 29:17 Eventually, disciplining your children brings you peace and delight.
9. Challenge question: Why do you think Jesus says “the meek will inherit the earth?”
I missed this question yesterday… Not that I can answer it!
Does he say it because it is said in scripture prior coming to earth? Or, is it just that those of us who are humble will be here when heaven comes down? I’m not sure I get this question?
6. One theme is not to fret over evil men.
– Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
Evil men will end up not in safe pasture for their grass will die – deadness – and they will wither away. In the end -death. Whereas if I trust in The Lord delighting in Him, committing my way to Him, being still before Him not fretting and not being angry desiring wrath, my pasture will be full and green and lush and alive.
– How could this understanding relate to helping you not to fret or lose control when someone sins against you?
The wicked’s day is coming-they will be destroyed so I don’t need to fret rather pray for them that God would pursue them too and free them from the deadness of their chains and bring them into Him where there is life and joy.
-Spurgeon said, “Small pots boil over.” What do you think he meant?
A man who is quick to anger? I am not sure but I think Sharon’s answer is good!
I think of how children boil over, and how the less mature boil over.
3. Read Matthew 5:5 in several translations and share what you learn. That “meekness” and “inherit the land” come out different. This is why I so long to be able to understand original language and context myself. The Message talks about being content with who you are to finally have the things that can’t be bought. Other translations render “meek” as humble, gentle, or kind. “Inherit the land” also has many different takes.
4. Meditate on “used to” “the hand” and compare it to training a horse. We have two horses out here at the ranch that were rescued from bad “hands.” They have been here a couple years. It makes me ponder “used to “the hand” in a different way. There are many who have an abusive hand in their formative years and become “used to” that abusive hand. To this day I struggle with not wanting to make people mad. Yes, a part of that is the idol of approval but a part of that was taught to me through fear and being “used to” “the hand”. (I am not making excuses. I am being honest trying to process and proceed onward) I’m over 40 and can still be brought to tears when someone ‘scolds’ me for doing what they don’t approve of. Just yesterday I did a task differently (not wrong) and was scolded by a co-worker and I was dismayed that tears stung my eyes. The horses here at the ranch will now let you approach and pet them/give them carrots. But nobody tries to ride them because of their history. Being “used to” a bad hand CAN be overcome by the power of the Gospel. However I wish I knew how to speed up that healing. And I wonder what reaction would occur if the horses here saw their old owner.
Why does a wild horse buck and rear at the first touch of a human hand? Because they are scared. It is unknown and therefore threatens their existence. They are automatically afraid of the unfamiliar to protect themselves. They are afraid of losing their life.
Did you have those feelings? What has helped you to trust Him? My most common reaction is “will it hurt?!” Or “will others judge me if i do that?!” So … yes I still do have those feelings. He provides. He, by His grace, motivates my obedience so that I know the peace of being a servant. It is a blessings indeed that my heart FEELS better in and after obedience- by Grace that is His way of positively reinforcing a habit that is difficult… can you imagine if we felt worse or no different?!
Share a time where meekness in your response to the Lord brought happiness. Meekness…. I can’t get over thinking of this as humility … “used to” “the hand” speaks more of obedience, following His lead and trusting without straining away from the path He has set (which horses love to do when they see tasty plants off the path- or they just stop and try to eat haha). Anytime I follow His hand on my life it brings peace and “happiness” …. will have to read others’ responses to understand better.
I am pondering “meek.” A lot. I started a new job 2 months ago and have been trying to be “meek” … but am constantly being put down and thrown under the bus … it is really challenging me! (Where is my TRUE identity?!) A lot of it is that I am the new girl and nobody thinks I know how to do what I am doing but they judge me according to their personal workflow not mine. I have 3 years experience and am good at what I do but nobody lets me. So is meek just going with the flow and being quiet till the storm passes? Does meekness look different?! Lots of thinking and repenting … thanks for letting do it out loud here …
Oh Jill! I wish I were there to give you a big HUG (( ))! You only need to be concerned with your opinion of your job; don’t worry about those others! If it feels right in your heart then it is what God wants. Maybe these people don’t know Him and they work with a secular outlook (where it matters how/what you look/feel like). We know differently! We work for His glory! When we do He blesses us and others begin to see this in us. Take heart! I don’t think being meek means being a doormat. But, I also get you not wanting to rock the boat either. Isn’t being meek more about those times when we need to humble ourselves when we are wrong?
Not that you are asking, but, I think you should do what the others want for an appropriate amount of time (God wants us to be kind to others so look at it that way) and when the right time comes (maybe a raise in pay, maybe a recognition from the boss, or maybe a promotion) you can speak your mind more often. I hope this helps? I have a colleague who struggles with this in my profession (women can tend to be so catty; men are easier to work with for me). I tell her to not let them get to her…one of our jokes is “…no one really cares…” she thinks they talk behind her back. They probably do and mine too. I don’t care; they have NO IDEA what my life is like and I only need to please One being; God. Unfortunately my friend is agnostic. She sees Him through me though, I know. Love you sister!
Laura – thank you for your love and wisdom!! ❤️ Love back to you.
This is interesting Jill, about growing up with an abusive “hand.” My daughter Anne who experienced that in the orphanage is reading a book called “Childhood Interrupted” and how children in that circumstance learn to keep their head down and not ask for things. She wants to break through that, and I pray for that for you too.
Dee, thank you for your prayers.
10. What do you learn from the following proverbs about wise parenting?
Proverbs 13:24
If you love your children you will discipline them. It says you hate them if you don’t. I personally think that is pretty harsh. I don’t think people “hate” their children, they just struggle to know how to discipline them.
Proverbs 19:18
It says to discipline your children or you will ruin their lives. Whoa…another harsh idea. Exactly what does the word discipline mean? Here is one definition:
“the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.”
I guess people these days like the idea of correcting with a consequence versus a punishment. Sometimes the consequence ends up being a punishment naturally (no dessert without eating some dinner). I like the program called 1,2,3 Magic. Or, does this not help with respecting authority maybe? I mostly use time out now, however occasionally I will spank. The reason for spanking follows an incident where someone is harmed or potential danger occurs. It certainly doesn’t make me feel good to spank; just sayin.
Proverbs 22:15
Young people don’t know better so they must be corrected. The NLT says “…with physical discipline.” Would that include time out? Ugh.
Proverbs 29:17
I will benefit from my children being properly disciplined. I know what it feels like to not be respected by my kids, that’s for sure. But did we not discipline? I believe we did, I just think we were probably not very consistent.
10. What do you learn from the following Proverbs about wise parenting?
1. Proverbs 13:24
He who withholds the rod of discipline hates their children. He who disciplines, loves their children.
2. Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you’ll ruin their lives.
3. Proverbs 22:15
Physical discipline will drive foolishness far away in a youngster’s heart.
4. Proverbs 29:17
A disciplined child will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
11. If you have parented, did you find the above helpful? If so, explain.
Yes. We felt discipline was very important and we always explained why we were disciplining, which gave us time to calm down. We always supported one another in how and why we were disciplining, which kept our kids from vying us against each other. Did we have perfect kids? No, we made mistakes along the way, but as adults they are respectful and my son knows the importance of disciplining his children.
12. For your God hurt, share a way you experienced God’s help in ministry: whether parenting, teaching, nursing…
I had a teenage Sunday School class several years ago that I know God helped me with. These kids really wanted homosexuality to be ok and they wanted me to agree with them. I gave them verses from the Bible and shared how just like lying, gossip, adultery etc., it was a sin…period. They threw things at me that I wasn’t prepared for but I wanted them to know that it was something I would never compromise on. These were not all church kids but they appreciated that I was willing to listen to them even though they didn’t agree with me. I sadly have to share that one of them today is in a homosexual relationship but she knows I love her and where I stand.
Love and truth, Sharon — that’s what you gave them.
7. Another theme is to wait on the Lord.
Find this theme and share what you learn from the repeated theme.
All the action words stood out for that is the posture of those who are waiting on Him, Being still before Him. reminds me of the wild horse after she is broken she begins delighting in the hand as she draws nearer to her trainer. She waits and lets him guide her awaiting the next command but is able to do so because she trusts him.
Share a time when you either did or did not wait on the Lord and the results.
i am in the process of waiting on the Lord in regard to something that happened to me that was unjust. I did not wait on the Lord at first and began fretting which caused some hair to fall out-oh my. But I am finding those action words in Psalm 37 are crucial in the waiting. He is helping me to experience in a deeper way than before how much sweeter and safer He is than anything or anyone I love, which makes these action verbs grow: to not fret, to trust, to dwell, to delight in Him. A bonus is He has strengthened me to set boundaries. 🙂 He loves me more than this person and truly is my safety. My restless soul that fret when hurt is finding rest in Him.
..and I forgot..HALLELUJAH! He is my song for He has risen indeed.
So good, Rebecca:
My restless soul that fret when hurt is finding rest in Him.
11. If you have parented, did you find the above helpful? If so, explain.
I don’t get how you spank with no emotion. It is an emotional thing. As I mentioned before, I try to only spank when danger is occurring, but that is emotional and I usually feel awful about it and (usually) ask forgiveness (from God) afterwards.
12. For your God Hunt, share a way you experienced God’s help in ministry: whether parenting, teaching, nursing…
I had a bout of cancer a few years ago and decided that I needed to stop bringing so much work home (papers to grade). I thought (and still do) that I should spend the time with my family in the evenings. I had decided to enjoy every moment of my life whatever it was I was doing at the time. I prayed that God would help me somehow get the work done (it’s ridiculous how much work is done outside of the school day for teachers, because you are, duh, teaching and one 90 minute prep isn’t enough time for meetings, parent contacts, lessons planning and grading papers!). But, somehow for the last 4 years I have been able to manage it. That is until this last school year. It was a doozie! The grading at home crept back into my life. I need to smush it down again! Our schedule is changing this year t be an “A/B” block (I have never done in 23 years of teaching). Basically, on A days we teach certain classes and then don’t see them again until 2 days later. It’s every other day, or 2 semesters in one. I’m thinking the grading will be more 🙁 I need to pray on this one for sure.
The emotion you want to avoid is rage — take time to calm down. But of course you will feel sad. And I think about “Be angry, but sin not.”
14. Did the Lord speak to you through this? If so, how? I think number one below speaks to me right now. I want what I want at times, not what God wants for me.
Three ways to develop meekness:
1) Submit to God’s word. Are we reserving the right to disagree with what is in the Bible? You are blessed when you follow His Word.
2) Submit to God. Don’t blame anyone else for the struggle you are in. God has placed it there for a reason (Jesus didn’t blame Judas).
2) Submit to God’s people. Embrace your church. Submit yourself to one church and receive the blessing given by Christ. People who are like minded and are striving for the same things are blessed.
Strength under control is a beautiful thing.
Laura, when you said ‘strength under control is a beautiful thing ‘, you answered your own misgivings about taming a wild horse. And like Dee said, the horse may not be the most accurate analogy.
11. Different children are different in how they need their discipline. Our son did not respond to spanking, and we learned other ways to work with him. Before I ever had kids, I heard someone say “I will lay awake at night looking for ways to make you want to comply.” I did that a lot, praying, ‘Lord show me what will work with this child this time.’ Parenting was a hard, discouraging journey at the time, but the rewards are worth it.
I see so much disrespect in this generation as people become biblically illiterate, fulfilling 2 Timothy 3:1-5. I do pray for my own children to be wise in their parenting!
Like this Mary…such rewards and so worth it!!
A couple of sources this week are discussing being meek, or under the hand of God. I am toying with this and planning to make it a priority in my life. I am going to try harder to remember what God wants me to do instead of what I want to do. He says I will be blessed if I do this. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me!
Thursday-Friday
13. Listen to the following and share your notes and comments.
Meekness involves submitting to God’s Word, God’s Will and God’s People.
3 of 10 strategies for how to grow and cultivate meekness…
1. You will grow in meekness as you moderate your expectations of others. If God in His kindness remembers our frailties, we should remember the frailties of others. Think of the weights and burdens others carry…would you come through them well?
2. You grow in meekness as you make friends with meek people. If a person is habitually angry they are not the friend for us. The habit of a person who is constantly complaining will rub off on you. (This one is so relatable to me right now.)
3. You’ll grow in meekness as you discern God’s hand even in the work of your enemies. Jesus didn’t look to Judas or to Pilot but at His Father. The glory of Jesus is seen on the cross when He said, Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing – He did that by looking to His Father not Judas. Christ’s justice was tempered with mercy. As long as you see your story as what others have done to you – you’re going to live in disappointment, anger, frustration and even resentment!
14. Did the Lord speak to you through this? If so, how?
Yes, definitely. The importance of making friends and being a friend who is meek. Being and choosing friends that are not fretting but trusting, delighting, committed and hoping in the Lord. My walk with the Lord could be so much more uplifting and encouraging with friends like this.
I loved that point too, Sharon. And I don’t want to be a fretter!
Hi I co signed for my daughter to buy a home if I die can my brothers fore say go after her for my share I have never made a payment she has made all payments for 3 years …I have a brother that is to interested in my name on her mortgage I hope I made sense.Thank You
Gale – I wouldn’t think so, but I am not a lawyer. I would think a real estate lawyer would know!
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for keyword|
Where can I find the best online creative writing courses? I live in NYC so which colleges offer the best online creative writing course? If not in a college than where else?.
I’d google Christian writing conferences if you are a Christian.
I live in Door County Wisconsin where they offer write-on – a live-in residence for creative writers
I imagine there is something like that in NYC — Redeemer Presbyterian might know