What Psalm 131 Says About Responsibility and Rest
PSALM 131 (NASB)
Childlike Trust in the Lord.
A Song of Ascents, of David.
1 O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
Let’s dive into the deep pools of this short Psalm together, shall we? I hope you find it as refreshing as I do!
Note: One definition of “responsibility” is: the ability and motivation to control.
David has a good grasp of his own responsibility in light of the Lord’s responsibility (David recognizes what he has the ability to control and what he does not). From verse one we see he understands healthy boundaries and that crossing those can actually be sin (pride and haughtiness). And this is at the heart level, not just a behavior level. David’s heart is not proud and his eyes are not haughty (he doesn’t perceive himself to be higher than…). This attitude directs his behavior -- he doesn’t involve himself in great matters or things too difficult for him (God’s responsibilities or those of others more able than himself). David has not given in to the common temptation of thinking he knows everything or can do everything himself. You know that age old adage, “if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself”? It’s actually a toxic mindset that can trap us into over-committing and exhausting ourselves. But David has the right heart and mind which directs his behavior in healthy ways instead of toward bondage.
Verse two shows David taking on a posture of submission and trust. He has chosen not to worry or stress over those great and difficult matters but instead composes and quiets his soul. He trusts that God has full responsibility and will handle those things. He makes the choice to trust and then doesn’t play mental games or second guess himself or try to take the responsibility back. He intentionally composes and quiets his soul.
I find the language “like a weaned child” interesting because a weaned child is no longer nursing so he’s not completely dependent on his mother anymore, yet he’s still a child who needs her. He has gained some skills and independence of his own, but he still trusts his mother to provide essentials for him, knowing he still can’t do everything for himself. David may be somewhat capable (having the ability to) control his circumstances, or at least impact them, but he’s not exercising his motivation to control them. He is trusting Father God for that, knowing God’s abilities are far greater than his. Thus, he is surrendering responsibility for these things to God and he is choosing to rest… “Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.” (Emphasis added)
It’s a picture of sweet contentment, even gratitude for all that a mother provides for the child. He feels safe and cared for in her arms. He doesn’t doubt her goodness toward him.
David ends his Psalm in verse three with an encouragement to hope in the Lord always. Hope in the God who has proven for all time that He is fully equipped and capable of handling things far too great for us. Hope in the God who is called Love and has consistently proven His love by sacrificing Himself, giving Himself up for us, doing things that are in our best interest over and over again. Hope in the God who faithfully meets our needs, and who provides safe and loving care to us out of His own goodness. Hope in Him always, from now on and forever because He doesn’t change!
I don’t know about you, but I find it a comfort to know when I humbly hand over responsibilities I should not be carrying to the One and Only God like that, it makes it easier to truly rest.
Are there matters too great and difficult on your plate these days? Have you sought the Lord for the humility to hand those over to Him and choose rest? Do you believe He actually CAN and wants to handle those things and work all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28)? If there is tension in the letting go, I encourage you to ask Him if there are any lies you are believing about Him and His nature that make it hard for you to trust Him. Then ask if there are any lies you are believing about yourself and your value if you do not handle those matters yourself. Ask Him to show you the truth about those things. He is offering rest, dear friend. I implore you to take it!