Watch as He turns your thorns and thistles into life-giving plants and trees. He is with you and loves you, longing to lead you through joyful fields of praise!
It can be intimidating standing in front of a crowd to speak, play an instrument, or perform. Timidity has a way of stifling our voice, our gifts, and our courage, while meekness draws strength from the Lord, trusting Him to equip and empower.
After reading several definitions of the word "meekness," including the Bible’s descriptions, I’ve learned it’s about being humble, discerning, and appropriately submissive. Timidity, on the other hand, involves hesitation, insecurity, and, at times, panic.
When living with godly purpose, timidity has no rightful place. It’s a tactic of the enemy to keep us in the shadows, fearful, and indecisive. But when we rely on God’s timing, prepared to step forward when called, meekness propels us with quiet confidence and graceful presence. As writer Amanda Idleman writes, “Meekness is a gentle diligence that commits to surrendering our futures to the Lord.”
If your future feels stifled by timidity, here are three powerful Scriptures to help you move forward in the strength and security of meekness:
Meekness Works Wisely; Timidity Works Fearfully
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13 ESV)
I love this verse for two reasons. First, it emphasizes wisdom as the foundation for meekness. Second, it speaks of action through good conduct and outward works. God isn’t against outward displays of our gifts and talents. If you remember the parable of the talents, the man who buried his was rebuked and called “wicked and lazy” (Matthew 25:26-27).
Meekness calls out for wisdom and dives deep into understanding. It counts the cost, invests wisely, and reaps the benefits. In contrast, timidity keeps us so introspective, our thoughts revolve around fear, worry, anxiety, and what-ifs. It’s paralyzing, at times, keeping us from the fulfillment of living in holy purpose and pleasure.
Carve out time and space to receive wisdom from God. Ask and you shall receive; but remember to ask without fear or doubt. The more equipped you feel, the more likely you’ll step into your God-given role with clarity and joy.
Meekness Obtains Joy; Timidity Obtains Sorrow
“The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 29:19 ESV)
Have you ever received a surprise blessing from God that filled you with overflowing joy? If so, you probably experienced a deep level of gratitude covered in meekness. It’s those precious moments that remind us God cares about the fine details of our lives.
The prophet Isaiah spoke words of woe to Jerusalem, warning them of what was to come. But he didn’t stop there. In the latter half of chapter 29, he spoke about their future, saying:
“Is it not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest? In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.” (Vs. 17-19 ESV)
Meekness is fruitful, joyfully obtaining a fresh touch from the Lord. He makes the wasteland into a garden; He unstops deaf ears and opens blind eyes. Timidity, on the other hand, causes a sense of doom and gloom, sorrow and despair. Its barren landscape prevents joy from watering our souls and dims our hope for the future.
Walk in the renewal of God’s Spirit, rejoicing in the days to come. Watch as He turns your thorns and thistles into life-giving plants and trees. He is with you and loves you, longing to lead you through joyful fields of praise!
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
Meekness Inherits Abundance; Timidity Inherits Nothing
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)
When Jesus shared the Beatitudes, I imagine every person within earshot leaned in to hear every last word. What a beautiful experience to be blessed by the Savior through abundant words of life and truth.
Meekness inherits abundance, not necessarily wealth, but a storehouse of blessings on earth. I believe this is because God notices those who humbly wait their turn, put others before themselves, and live with an “I’m third” mentality.
It was Johnny Ferrier, a pilot in the 1950s, who made the “I’m third” motto famous. During an air show in Fairborn, Ohio, Johnny’s plane malfunctioned, and instead of ejecting himself to safety, he steered the spiraling plane toward a field, away from the onlooking crowds.
In the rubble, his wallet was recovered, and in it was a card that said, “I’m third.” His wife later shared how Johnny had carried that card as a reminder to keep God first, others second, and himself third.
It’s this kind of meekness that leads to an abundant life, a life full of what matters most. Timidity has no inheritance as it holds us back from every opportunity. It stifles God’s giftings, wastes valuable time, and neglects the people we love. In the end, timidity has nothing to show.
Choose meekness as your way of life, not insecurity, but humility cloaked with strength. Put your timid, fearful ways behind you as you step up to the podium with wisdom and grace to share. Your God is with you and equips you for every good work.
A Prayer for Meekness from Crosswalk writer, Mark Altrogge:
“Father, we pray today that you would draw us into meekness. We pray that you would soften our hearts, that you would remind us of the gift of gentleness, that you would show us through Jesus how to live in love day by day. We pray that you would forgive us of our sins and open our eyes and hearts to forgiveness for others in our lives. We ask that you would help us to guard our speech, that the words we say would be life-giving and glorifying to you. We are so grateful for your refining fire in our lives. In your holy name, Amen.”
Empowering Scriptures to Take with You
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB)
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)
More Helpful Resources for Your Journey:
A Prayer for Confidence When Uncertainty, Insecurity, or Timidity Hits
How Has God Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear? (2 Timothy 1:7)
5 Spiritual Habits of the Blessed Meek
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/TinnakornJorruang
