Calmed and Quieted

‘But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother’

Psalm 131:2 NIV

Dear friends,

In the lead up to Christmas I recorded a message based on this beautiful psalm, but I didn’t publish it. At the time I prepared it, I thought our times were strained and frenetic – and they were. Now we are facing great heartbreak overseas and the beginning of everyday life with covid. I think this message is just as relevant to share now.

I pray God comforts you through this psalm. We are invited to calm ourselves and find the comfort of being close to our loving Father. Through this psalm we can see a resting child who wants to be on his mother’s knee, not for her milk, but for her loving, reassuring presence. If you are feeling fearful (which is understandable), can I encourage you to take the three verses of Psalm 131 and meditate on them day and night. Perhaps write one verse at a time on a piece of paper to put in your pocket. Highlight them in your Bible app and go for a walk ‘chewing’ on those words. Recall them when you are in bed, sick or sleepless. Meditating on Scripture has been life changing for me and friends I know. I started at a time when I was very fearful and have continued to build this practice into my life. I have been strengthened through speaking God’s Word aloud to my soul. I get out of shape with this at times, but am drawn back by the benefit of God’s Word alive in me.

I am praying short prayers right now as concerns come to mind, and trusting God with what I cannot do. You might want to do the same. God wants us to ‘quietly trust’ Him.

Lastly I want to encourage you to do things that you know help keep you well. If you are isolating talk daily to friends and family. Let a neighbour or member of your church know if you don’t have people to help, should need to isolate. We need each other! I’ve left you with a question to reflect on and a song to rest with. I hope you enjoy.

Please share this with a friend who could do with some reassurance. Also subscribe below if you would like to receive more encouragements like this : )

Bronnie

Question to journal: What are some things you can do to calm or quiet your soul?

Psalm 131 – My Heart Is Meek

-a song of the stairway, by King David

Lord, my heart is meek before you.
I don’t consider myself better than others.
I’m content not to pursue matters that are over my head-
such as your complex mysteries and wonders-
that I’m not yet ready to understand.
I am humbled and quieted in your presence.
Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap,
I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you.
O people of God, your time has come to quietly trust,
waiting upon the Lord now and forever.

– The Passion Translation