PSALM 131

A Song of Ascents. Of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. 2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child [is] my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever.

PSALM 131:1-3

A SIMPLE TRUST IN THE LORD

It has been a whirlwind of a week. I’ve had a lot on my plate. I am teaching, preaching, or speaking 7-9 times a week and that takes a lot of preparation. I’ve got kids in elementary, middle, and high school and they all take time and attention in different ways (Not to mention my wife who deserves the best of me and my time). There were also some church members who had big needs come up this week with grief, health, and other spiritual concerns (it’s always my heart to be there for our folks and walk with them through trials). All that to say that I found myself this morning with a whole lot on my plate and no end in sight. In that kind of a state it is easy to be rushed and frazzled. I already feel behind on everything and I really don’t like that feeling… I probably could have skipped my devotion today. Those of you who read it would have given me a pass. I mean I’ve studied and written out of the overflow for 131 days.

but then I wouldn’t have come to this psalm at just the right moment that I needed to read it. I would still be torn by the chaos of the “what ifs” and expectations of myself and others. I would still be frazzled. Yet, my frazzled heart was brought to peace today by a few simple verses that reminded me that true contentment comes from resting in the Lord.

As a pastor it is easy to read the word and ask for a “word from the Lord” to give to others, because you are responsible for that sort of thing. It can be easy to see scripture as a means to an end. You can start looking to God for what you get, rather than finding your own peace in him. I know men who have lost their way with God while trying to serve him and pastor a church. It seems contrary to nature. Indeed one of the reasons I wanted to blog part of my personal quiet time reading and reflections each day was for the accountability to be in the word daily for myself first and others second.

In verse two, David talks about how his soul is calmed in the Lord like a child who is resting content in his mothers arms. He isn’t begging for milk. He isn’t reaching for something he wants. He is just contented in her. He isn’t reaching or striving. He is just safe in her arms.

I needed to read that and be reminded of that today. I need to rest in the Lord and what he has done. The rest of the day will flow smother when I’m not striving to do it all in my own strength and power but rather trusting in the loving care and strength of the Lord.

I think it was Martin Luther who once said something to the effect of, “The day is so busy, I must spend an extra hour in prayer.” A good sentiment and thought for today. I’m also remember Psalm 127 (often attributed to Solomon I’m told) where we are told that unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain.

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for a good and timely word from the Psalms today. I needed every word and I need to apply it to my life. Too often I am guilty of striving after things that are bigger than me rather than resting content in the biggest blessing I have ever been given (Knowing you and experiencing your love). Thank you for letting me draw from your word today so much personal application to my own heart and life. I continue to be in awe of your sovereignty and your timing. Intellectually I know that you are in control of all things, but I do not experientially know what your sovereignty is like so I struggle and marvel when I see it displayed in ways big and small in my life. Thank you for your grace and calling me your son. I am choosing to rest content in you today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.