My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.  Psalm 131:1-2

One of my all-time favorite songs is Be Born In Me.  It’s sung by Francesca Basttistelli.  This lyric arrests me.  Did you wrap yourself inside the unexpected – so we would know that love would go that far?    Yes, He sure did.  Because when unexpected events come, my love for God can be stretched.  I wonder if my love will go as far as my fears.

The unexpected can encompass something I fear might come true.  Worried, I keep entrusting my misgivings to God and then I rest because I believe He will take care of i.  But if God doesn’t spare me, will He no longer be a refuge?  Will resting no longer be possible?

It takes effort to disentangle myself from the conflict of my soul and to go home as a ‘weaned child rests against his mother.’  (Psalm 131) Consider it from Eugene Peterson’s, THE MESSAGE. God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain, I haven’t meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart, like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby who is content.  

God told us throughout scripture that we are in a war and we are not home yet.  Resting lets me catch my breath in God’s arms while the wind blows.  Resting lets me settle my soul in His embrace. Resting lets me collect my thoughts for my next steps.  Resting reminds me that, even in the worst of things, He will have the last word.  Resting helps me remember to cling to the Victor when it appears Satan is winning.  Resting facilitates focus in chaos.   

I rest in the character of God, not in the expectation that He will deliver me from all pain. Peace is found in the security of One all-knowing and wise.  He sees what I cannot, and as it was for Jesus, God’s plan is redemptive even when a plot line appears senseless.  My life is hidden in Christ and is destined for glory no matter how things look on this calendar day.

You are my firm foundation in confusion, my rock of refuge in sinking sand.  Amen