A Psalm of Tranquility
Reading for Monday 3.27–Wednesday 3.29
The life of peace is one in faithful relationship to Yahweh and His community. In an ideal world, tranquility springs forth when we root ourselves in both.
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Psalm 131 (NET)
A Song for Rest
1 O LORD, my heart is not proud,
nor do I have a haughty look.
I do not have great aspirations,
or concern myself with things that are beyond me.
2 Indeed I am composed and quiet,
like a young child carried by its mother;
I am content like the young child I carry.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
now and forevermore!
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A Psalm of Tranquility
The short poem is quite beautiful and, when meditated on, brings tremendous peace. The psalmist's perspective is that of an individual (vv. 1-2) centered in God's community (v. 3). They have found contentment with their place and rest quietly and comfortably in Yahweh.
Their rest is so good they cannot help but share it with the people of God as they command the rest of the community to also hope in Yahweh.
The picture of a young child resting on their mother's chest is a beautiful metaphor of trust. Anyone who has witnessed this knows that the child can find deep rest because they are comfortable, trusting in the provision and protection of the one holding them. The psalmist calls us into a profound bond with our Creator with this simple comparison.
Psalm 131 calls us away from our religious performance, circumstantial anxiety, and any other form of wholeness rooted in what we must manufacture for ourselves. We, like weary, needy children, can rest in the arms of the one who provides. There we are safe, we are made whole, and we are loved as we are.
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Reflect with a friend
What was your initial reaction when you read this psalm? When you slow down and meditate on its meaning, how does it affect you?
How would you describe your ability to relate to this psalm in your current spiritual state?
How does the motherly imagery in the psalm help shape your idea of what God is like?
