Notes on Hope Devotional

Quiet and Calm 

Psalm 131:1, 2 (NIV)
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.

But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

This short Psalm is one of the Psalms of Ascents written by David.
These verses create vivid images of how we can realign ourselves to experience a sense of peace and security in our relationship with God that supersedes anything else.

“My heart is not proud, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.” David defines his status as humble and free of pride. He knows his limitations. He simply accepts his state as a humble servant, depending on God.

The second verse offers the result of this act of humility: “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.”

The act of humbling ourselves opens the door to making a decision to trust.  In that space between humility and contentment, we are invited to experience a sense of security, of peace, and comfort, like a baby being held in the safety of his mother.

This past week, I was with family friends and watched as their 5-month-old son nestled, rested, and lay contentedly in the arms of his mother. It was the exact image of the quiet and calm we can experience in the arms of our Abba Father, knowing He meets all our needs, holds us securely, as we trust, know, rest, and find true contentment.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help us as we humble ourselves, recognize our imitations and see our need for You. Thank You for the contentment You offer us as we rest and trust You.  In Your Name, Amen.