QUIET YOUR SOUL

With all the chaos in the world, finding peace can be a challenge. As humans, we tend to want to control every aspect of our lives, and even the lives of others. Thus, we often forget who really holds the world together.

So, how do we deal with life’s challenges and worries? Where do we run when the world seems to be falling apart? Psalm 131 is a beautiful reminder about the peace we can experience when we leave our lives in God’s hands.

First, we must acknowledge our lack of control. We can only experience true rest once when we let go of the urge to fix everything. It is a blessing to recognize that you are not in control and that God reigns over all creation. Although it is hard, we must stop worrying about things we cannot change. Psalm 131:1 reminds us that we must surrender difficulties to the Lord. As seen throughout Scripture, nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37). Nothing is too complicated or difficult for Him, so why not let God take care of your troubles?

As we learn to lay our burdens at the foot of the cross, we will be able to find true rest. Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). You can only experience true peace once you humbly trust God with child-like faith.

Psalm 131:2 gives the illustration of a weaned child resting securely in its mother’s arms. In the same way, we can come to Christ and give Him our worries in exchange for His peace. Psalm 46:10 tells us to be still and know that the Lord is God. Cease striving, acknowledge that God is on the throne, and rest in His perfect peace.

Finally, hope in the Lord and hold onto His promises. As seen in Exodus 14:10-14, the Lord will fight for His children. He is faithful and trustworthy. So, be still and wait on the Lord. Only then will you be able to experience rest and proclaim with David, “I have calmed and quieted my soul” (Psalm 131:3).

Application:

+ Meditate on Psalm 131

+ Put Matthew 11:28 into practice by journaling your worries, an act of physically handing your burdens over to God. Then, find your rest in Jesus.

+ Read stories like Exodus 14+15 to be reminded of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.