1 Kings 21:7

New International Version

Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

For Meditation

Men often trap themselves with the myth of invulnerability, hiding behind a facade of strength. This pressure to always appear strong makes it hard for them to express vulnerability, as seen in the story of King Ahab.

Beneath his strong exterior lay a softer side, one that only his wife saw. In 1 Kings 21:4, Ahab sulks in bed, refusing to eat after Naboth denies him his vineyard. He surprises Jezebel. 

‘Is this how you act as king?’

His example prompts us to reflect on similar experiences in our own lives. King Ahab is the classic tough guy who appears strong but hides deep hurt. But how can you, the family’s rock, show weakness? How can you cry at your mother’s funeral with your college friends you led, the ‘Terrible-8,’ watching? Your clenched fists remind you to suppress your emotions, which is often seen as a sign of weakness. Why do your colleagues at work call you ‘Terror’ and avoid your gaze?

There are many men like ‘Terror’ worldwide—outwardly strong but inwardly weighed down by hurt and responsibility. The primary issue is that modern culture often wrongly defines leadership as stoic, unyielding strength. This belief feeds the myth that men, especially leaders, cannot show emotion or vulnerability. It yields to performative toughness, which is unhealthy. So, show emotions and build a supportive community.

Superheroes are fictional, but you are not, brother. You are real, the reason you show genuine emotions. Hiding your feelings to project strength is damaging, as your genuine emotions will eventually surface. The cultural expectation to be a ‘Superhero’ compounds the problem and shows that suppressing vulnerability leads to greater struggle.

Does this describe you? Does your family, coworkers, community, and church never expect you to falter? Do you embrace your vulnerability and reject these unrealistic expectations so you can reach out for support? That is how you break from forced stoicism and foster empathy. Moving from false strength to honest connection defeats the myth of invulnerability.

You may choose to carry these burdens alone, crying in private, and wishing to escape the pressure. However, it does not have to be this way. Expressing emotion is a healthy human response. The story of Elijah, emotionally drained and wishing to die under the broom tree after the battle of Carmel, shows how vulnerable the powerful could be (1 Kings 19:1-9). God honored his emotional vulnerability without condemning him. It reinforces that we can find strength in admitting our weaknesses. Jesus wept at Lazarus’s tomb (Jn. 11:35). His emotional expression revealed His humanity and strength. 

Our masks cannot fool God, so He invites us to come to Him with our wearied and burdened souls for His rest (Matt 11:28). The Psalmist reminds us: 

‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psa. 34:18). 

God rewards sincere openness, not the false performance of strength. So, find comfort and healing in your vulnerability from Jesus. He will not disappoint you.

Pray with Me

Heavenly Father, help me be vulnerable and show strength in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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