Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

“In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NLT

            Many U. S. Presidents are known by their quips and quotes during the administration they served. ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick’ has become a famous quote by President Theodore Roosevelt. Spoken in a speech in 1901 describing his foreign policy, ‘Big Stick Diplomacy,’ President Roosevelt conveyed the idea of negotiating peacefully, but also letting it be known that other less lenient options were also on the table. The phrase has been implemented many times by the U. S. Government over the last one hundred and twenty years. The full statement by President Roosevelt is ‘speak softly and carry a big stick-you will go far.’

            The prophet Isaiah writes, “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” (Is.30:15 NLT) As Christians we understand that salvation is only of the Lord. We come humbly, in quietness and confidence in the Lord Jesus repenting of our sin receiving His forgiveness and salvation. Quietness and confidence are also seen and put into practice as our strength after our conversion to Christ.

How are we as Christians to act and present ourselves when sharing the gospel with others or are attacked for our faith in Jesus Christ? Paul gives us advice to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm. (Eph. 6:13-17) David refers many times to his confidence of the Lord’s strength in his life in the book of Psalms. Truly our strength as Christians comes from our confidence in our big stick, the Almighty, all-powerful God. Living our lives in quiet obedience to God pleases Him and sets a good example before others. We do not need to be boisterous, unruly, obnoxious, or even afraid in defending our faith. The Lord commands us to be salt and light in the world relying on strength from our quietness and confidence in Him. Speak softly and carry a big stick-you will go far!