The advice we receive throughout our lives follows a pattern of stay strong, be independent, be resilient, fix your problems, and be proud of your accomplishments. The advice in scripture in dozens and dozens of places throughout the old and new testaments is to be meek. In the modern world, we rarely hear people advise us to be humble. We strut and brag. We go around pointing out what is wrong with others. We want more, and we are taught to go out and get it out.

But how does one really show strength and feel a sense of peace in a world so full of turmoil?

It does not take strength to hate, and it does not take strength to yell. It takes strength to show restraint, to accept that we do not know the truth, to look around and realize we have what we need, to put everything in the hands and heart of the Lord, and to follow the path that Jesus showed us.

The Earth is the Lord’s, and we are the children of God. What greater joy is there in childhood than to have a hurt, a fear, or a worry and to run to the arms of our mother for consolation. The peace we find in that moment is to rest in the strength of those that love and protect us. The need to be strong, to be right, to be better, and to belong is so strong that it causes us to kick and scream like children in a tantrum. If only we would stop and embrace the grace that surrounds us.

Let us seek silence, humility, and be meek. Let us turn the other cheek, accept censure, take the harder path, the Way, that is straight but an uphill climb in the world that surrounds us. Let us not cocoon ourselves in our own dignity like a blanket of self-righteousness.

Peace is to be found not in proving we are right, seeking more, or telling others how to act but in acting with grace towards all God’s beloved children. In humility, may our actions be meek because we quietly listen to the Holy Spirit as our actions are guided to listen not provoke, to assist not demand, to hold hands not to yell, to forgive not retaliate, and to trust that God holds us so that we may have all the peace of grace and love in the universe.

This devotion was written by Jill Pope and read by Judy Wilson.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.