The imagery in Psalm 131 is stark. As a parent, I can relate to it. Having been a child once, I can see its point. Here’s how it reads…
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.
Every parent knows how a newborn thinks about its daily (or hourly) bread: screaming and wailing – a newborn’s way of complaining for what he thinks he might not receive. How different the young child thinks about her need for daily bread. Most kids, once they reach even a modest level of maturity, know that they only need to open the refrigerator and, magically, food is there! Somehow Mom or Dad have known that they would be hungry and so have already provided what they were after. No need to fret, or cry, or panic – only to trust…and enjoy.
This is the picture of peace that we, as God’s people, can enjoy. But we can only know it when we are willing to let God be God and do what God does! He provides. He cares. We delight. We, as Psalm 27 states, “trust in the Lord and do good.” We, as it continues, “dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.”
When you feel anxious, remember that God is a good Father. He knows what you need even before you do. Let that thought calm your unsettled spirit.
For some more reflection on Psalm 131, look here.