Come and Sit a Spell

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 131 ESV).

 

A wonderful artist has finished and made available a poignant reminder of the comfort that comes from being in the arms of a loving parent. The title of the work (shown here) is “Mother Rocking He Child.” It is an original painting by Marilyn Wells. I remember those days when I could rock the boys while reading a story to them. They passed all too quickly. However, nothing seemed to soothe their spirit more than that simple activity. I suppose there was as much comfort for me in rocking them as there was for them in being rocked. It somehow just made everything right.

 

This is the background for our reading today. So many psalms are about battles, doubts, and trouble, or about thanks, joy, and praise to God in worship. But this psalm is different, much quieter. Instead of portraying a king celebrating a victory or a priest leading worship in the temple, this psalm pictures a young child consoled and comforted by its mother. Think of a child who fell and skinned a knee and now, having been soothed and comforted, is able to fall asleep in its mother’s arms. In a way like that child, the psalmist is humble and at peace, not haughty or concerned with great matters, able to rest and trust in God’s comforting care.

 

God’s promises and care are indeed what calm and quiet our souls, like a toddler safe in the comfort of its mother’s embrace. The promise here is that when I fall down and get hurt, or even cry out my frustration in a tantrum, God will be there to pick me up and say, “There, there; it’s alright.”

 

I experience that quiet comfort when I read this psalm and picture myself in the lap of my God, soothed, comforted, and at peace like a little child. I experience that quiet comfort when I read Jesus’ words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

 

Perhaps you need that kind of comfort today. God’s lap is always available for you to crawl into and snuggle close in His arms of protection. Come on… sit a spell with the One who loves you more than anything in this world!