August 11, 2017

LIKE A CHILD WITH HIS MOTHER

Psalm 131

Sarah Crotty
Friday's Devo

August 11, 2017

Friday's Devo

August 11, 2017

Central Truth

“I have calmed and quieted my soul” reflects a decision to come to the Lord in humble dependence. It’s a choice whether I look to Him instead of myself, others, or things. His lap is open when I approach Him as His child. 

Key Verse | Psalm 131:2

But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
(Psalm 131:2)

Psalm 131

I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
    my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
    too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
    like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD
    from this time forth and forevermore.

Dive Deeper | Psalm 131

In work and ministry, I’ve had the privilege of watching babies go from frantic to calm in their mother’s arms, as they are cared for, filled, and satisfied. When the connection works, both baby and mom relax contentedly. The relationship between a mother and child is the first relationship for each of us.

It can take an agitated baby time to realize that what mom offers is what he is desperately seeking. It can take months or years for a child to understand that mom truly knows him, his needs, and what is beneficial for him. When he is loved and cared for over time, he comes to know and trust the one caring for him.

I was a pediatric nurse before having children, so I was quite vigilant to watch my little ones for any signs of illness. I worried unnecessarily. At one point, our kind pediatrician, Dr. Bob Kramer, suggested, “You be the mom; I’ll be the doctor.” In Psalm 131 I hear the Lord telling me, “You be the child. I’ll be the parent.” That is such a relief! There is so much beyond my control and comprehension, and He is totally sufficient. 

“I have calmed and quieted my soul” reflects a decision to come to the Lord in humble dependence. It’s a choice whether I look to Him instead of myself, others, or things. His lap is open when I approach Him as His child. 

There was a season when one precious to me was involved in something that led away from the Lord. Anxiety hit me in waves, dominating my thoughts and gripping my heart. The truth that became my lifeline was Isaiah 26:3 (KJV), “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” When distress overwhelmed me, the Lord would settle my soul through that verse. Although I had no control in the situation, I could choose to go to Him, trusting His sovereign faithfulness and love.

Discussion Questions

1. Are you aware that the Lord knows you and your needs, that He offers you what’s best, and in fact wants you to have that? What evidence is there of His goodness and wisdom in your life this week?

2. Have you recognized that He is what you need, more than what He supplies? What are you waiting for Him to give you that has diverted your focus away from Him?

3. What does a mother supply to her child?

Food: Not only milk, but other food as appropriate;
Protection: Safe in her presence and arms;
Guidance: Constant training and shepherding—where to go, what to do, what to avoid;
Rest: Time and place to sleep, freedom from responsibilities beyond the child's ability;
Comfort: When afraid, ill, or hurt;
Forgiveness: Mercy, grace, restoration for repentance.

Describe how the Lord has provided or is providing each of these to you.

4. Read these verses that reinforce the message of Psalm 131: Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 9:24; Psalm 46:10, 62:1-2, 73:25, 107:9. Can you add more? List them in the comments to today's Journey.