Have you been to the mall this Christmas season?

Isn’t it ironic that the season when it is “more blessed to give than to receive” is also the season filled – at times – with frustration and rudeness as we rush around trying to find “the perfect gift?”

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth…” (Matthew 5:5) This thought, a reference by Jesus to Psalm 37… is found in the midst of the Beatitudes, a description of the character of the (future) inhabitants of Heaven. The whole of Psalm 37 is a song of sweet counsel from the Lord, in which He reminds us that He has everything under control: “Do not fret because of evildoers…Trust in the Lord, and do good…Commit your way to the Lord…Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…Wait on the Lord, and keep His way…” What a blessed picture of ultimate trust and peace!

Beloved, as Christians, as children of the Heavenly King, we don’t have to worry about our own self-interest, because God is attending to our needs. We don’t have to step on – or over – other people to “get ahead” in this life…because this isn’t our home anyway. We don’t have to worry about what tomorrow may bring, because “I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25)

It is easier for us to be meek, humble people when we remember who is really in control down here. When we keep that in mind, we can bear any trial, suffer any loss, endure any hardship; we can “[b]e anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let [our] requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Wisdom we need, yes…and God has promised to give it. (James 1:5), as well as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, and temperance. (Galatians 5:22, 23) But today – and every day – let us also pray for meekness, that we may follow in the trusting, humble steps of the Carpenter who was born in that humble Bethlehem manger…that we may truly walk as He walked…and, day after day, lovingly demonstrate the character of God.

After all, wouldn’t that be the best Christmas gift of all?

[reminder]Have you had a memorable Christmas shopping experience this year? [/reminder]