Sunday 12th January Psalm 131
1 My heart’s not proud, O LORD,
nor haughty is my eye;
I do not occupy myself
with things too great or high.
2 My spirit I have calmed;
my heart is pacified.
My soul is like a little child
close to its mother’s side.
Just like a little child
my soul is calmed in me.
3 O Isr’el, hope in God the LORD
now and eternally.
Reflection
This short Psalm, thought to have been written by David, has a wealth of meaning for all of us who lead busy full, lives. There is humility and gentleness of spirit, and a true sense of being at peace and rest in the one who is our hope, the Lord God Almighty.
There is a beautiful sense of simplicity and childlike trust rather than always trying to make life more complicated than it really is. Our society does seem to dictate the opposite and these observations consequently appear so refreshing and life-giving. Such is not taking on too many things that might cause confusion, or in fact make our faith in the Lord more complex than it should be. Rather than deepening our theological intensity, it is more importantly developing our own awareness of God himself. Perhaps it sounds too simplistic in this day and age?
But how is it that David, whose life was not what one could call uncomplicated, can write such words which convey such peace and rest? The secret seems to be in the calmed and quiet spirit to which he testifies, something which he has had to cultivate through his relationship with his God which brings such a wonderful contentment in life. There is a striving not to be tearing around like the proverbial, but instead being like the cosily, comfortably contented, peaceful and replete child, nestling in his Mother’s arms after a satisfying and adequate feed, not having a care in the world.
The question to us is how do we indeed achieve a similar close, restful feeling in our spirits, when life is anything but calm and collected? Maybe the secret is found in other psalms of inspiration from David, such as “He leads me beside still waters” (23:2) and “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him?” (37:7)
Prayer
Drop Thy still dews of quietness
till all our strivings cease.
Take from our lives the strain and stress,
and let our ordered lives confess,
the beauty of Thy peace.
Lord, warm ours hearts to yours,
that resting in you,
peace, calm and contentment
may become the hallmarks of our lives in you.