Resting in the Lord

Ever find yourself asking, "Why in the world did I ever commit to doing this?" It seems that many of us tend to get over committed and then frustrated. We get "in over our head" to prove ourselves, to make a big impact, to please others. If we aren't careful we can spend our entire lives chasing after accomplishments and approval--and never learn to truly trust the Lord and enjoy real rest.

I love the powerful encouragement I find from David's words in Psalm 131. Near the end of his life this "man after God's own heart" has come to terms with what it means to truly trust the Lord.

"My heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters or things too difficult for me." He's come to a point in life when he realizes that he isn't that important. He isn't stuck on himself or focused on making it big. He deliberately chooses not to involve himself in "great matters or things too difficult". How much of our lives are spent trying to impress others, to make a big splash as we involve ourselves in "great matters" and "things too difficult for us?" What a freeing perspective to give up on all that vanity and just live to please the Lord. David says, "Surely I have composed and quieted my soul." Now that has a great appeal to folks running from pillar to post trying to get everything done, doing great things, and trying to cut a big path in this world. What words of rest, of comfort, of true peace. Then in a graphic word picture He gives us a window into his soul--"Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me." What a beautiful picture of contentment. He finishes the Psalm with a call for Israel to turn to the same source of contentment that he does--"...Hope in the Lord."

Father teach me to give up trying to impress others, trying to do "great things" and to be involved in "matters too difficult for me." Lord help me to trust in you to the point that I'm not striving to be noticed, to be recognized, to make a big splash, or please others. Don't let me cave in to the pressure to perform, but let me rest in the limitations of my humanity and enjoy the blessedness of humble dependence.