HAVING A GENTLE, quiet SPIRIT WHEN THE WORLD SAYS ROAR
Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Not exactly the words you hear in our world today, are they? Actually we hear the opposite, especially as women. We’re encouraged to speak our mind, regardless of who it hurts as long as we get our way and our ideas across.
As believers, rather than listening to the world’s ROAR, we need to be still and listen to God’s voice. His Words and His voice are much quieter. Philippians 4:5 is a command, not a “if I feel like it,” or “if it suits my needs.” No, He tells us to let our gentleness be seen by others.
To be gentle is to be reasonable, fair minded and considerate of others, and exhibit the quality of humility and meekness ~ to all ~ believers and non believers. Matthew 5:5 says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." In other words, "By giving up your own rights in order to serve others, you will one day receive everything God has in store for you." (Life Application Study Bible, notes, page 1651.)
Meekness is not a sign of weakness; but power under control. It's:
- Power "to give when others take"
- Power "to love when others hate"
- Power "to help when others abuse"
- Serve when you'd rather receive
(Quotations from Life Application Study Bible, notes, page 1651.)
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment”. . . “Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 Too often we put WAY too much focus on what we wear, our make-up and jewelry, neglecting what is of great value to Him, a gentle and quiet spirit. When our security and identity is in Him, we don’t have to put on masks and pretend to be something we’re not. We can take off the masks, stop focusing on self, enjoy life, have homes that are filled with laughter and joy and be those women others are drawn to.
Sooooooooooooo how is gentleness possible? Through Christ and His powerful Word alone. “I can do everything through Him, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.
- 1 Timothy 6:11-14
- 1 Thessalonians 2:5-7; 4:11
- Exodus 14:14
- Psalm 46:10; 131:1-2
- Proverbs 17:1
- Isaiah 30:15; 32:17-18
If gentleness is an area you’re struggling with, be encouraged by the words of Jesus, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, “. . . instead of increasing our load of anxiety, He promises to make it lighter.” (The Living Insights Bible, page, 1019) Jesus said we are to learn from Him and the way He teaches us is through His Word.
“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30. His Word is a shield for our tongue, our attitude, our thoughts and our actions. He WILL always provide the way of escape when we chose to listen and act on what we hear. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:22-27)
Are you putting your trust in God’s powerful Word and holding on to it as your shield and refuge or have you chosen to hold on to those things that hinder you from having a gentle, quiet spirit? Things like: unconfessed sin in the area of anxiety, anger, unforgiveness, self-centeredness, etc. (See Psalm 32:3-5, Proverbs 12:25, Philippians 2:2-7; 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Matthew 6:28-30, 33-34, Ephesians 3:22-24, 26-27, 29-32.)
Choose today to surrender whatever is keeping you from having a gentle, quiet spirit and know that Christ will give you victory. Remember, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
