It is a day of tribulation, danger, pain, and confusion. However, despite the turmoil, on this particular day, the psalmist sings:
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. (Psalm 131:1-3)
Today, the hymn-writer finds himself less arrogant than normal. For some reason, he is humbled; he finds himself not thinking too highly of himself.
Today, the psalmist also seems to be done seeking to figure out that which is above his security clearance level. God’s business is God’s business, and he refuses to weary himself by seeking to know that which has not been revealed.
Today, God’s friend does something wise. He does what he can to calm and quiet his soul.
And fantastic are the results. Presently, he finds himself like a “weaned child with its mother.” Instead of being a desperate, restless, anxious, and struggling infant striving for immediate gratification, today he enjoys a more mature relationship with his God. Like a young child he sits in God’s lap, feels his father’s arms about him, leans his head back against his chest, and enjoys sweet and peaceful communion with the Lover of his soul.
Consequently, this being the posture he desires for his people, the psalmist pens a song encouraging Israel to follow his lead. This is what hope looks like — a weaned child with its mother or father — a weaned child with a calmed and quieted soul.
Father,
Right now, you know my situation. Trials, tribulations, troubles, and tests in abundance have come my way.
Great has been the damage caused by Satan, Adam, Eve, and other sinful and harmful neighbors. This world is no utopia. Planet Earth and its inhabitants are fallen, and I feel the effects every single day.
Also, great has been the damage done to me by me. You know my sin nature, and how I am often my own worst enemy. You know how I have self-medicated and self-sabatoged myself.
I do not know why you ordain, allow, and providentially govern such tragedy. On good days, I have serious questions for you. On bad days, I might even have slanderous accusations. But let’s not go there today ….
Right now, I am praying for humility.
Right now, I am praying for faith. I don’t have to know your secret things. I am done trying to figure everything out.
Right now, I am endeavoring to calm and quiet my soul, for I long to be held fast and content in your arms.
Truth be known, I can’t seem to do it. Self-calming and self-quieting doesn’t seem to be working right now.
But Abba, that’s why I am talking to you right now; that’s why I’m praying. I confess my lack of humility, faith, calmness, and quiet. I confess my distrust, arrogance, anxiety, despair, restlessness, and slander.
Thank you for your eternal love.
Thank you for your entire forgiveness.
Thank you for your Holy Spirit which is leading me to talk with you right now.
Thank you for your Holy Spirit which is able to fruit me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith-full-ness, meekness, self-control … and also a contented, calmed, and quieted soul.
Now, please come and do what I cannot. Please come and grace me. I am doing my part; come do yours. Fruit me now! Please!
Sincerely,
Your desperately unweaned child.
Unfathomable Grace 