Too often, I feel like no one can relate to my life–no one can understand where I’m coming from.
In my frustration, I isolate myself on my own little island, set up camp, and throw a one-man pity party.
However, I found some consolation this week from the Old Testament that gives me the strength to persevere.
David knew the joy of victory. He also understood the pain of defeat. He danced with gladness, yet at times, his soul was troubled to the point of mourning. He triumphed over giants, yet gave in to the fruit of temptation.
And all the while, he was known as a man after God’s own heart.
This is King David.
In the end, his lineage would bring us another King–our Savior–Jesus.
The raw and real struggle we see in the life of David reminds me that, even in spite of our social status, family situation, or financial position, we all share similar experiences.
Contrary to what we feel, our lives are really not all that different.
Words of a King
I read Psalm 131 this week and I saw so much power in David’s story, especially its similarity to our own. There is beauty within three short verses that give us a glimpse into David’s soul amidst the craziness of life.
“My heart is not proud, Lord; my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child with its mother, I am content. Put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore”
As I read his words, I wrote the following in my journal:
BE CALM. BE QUIET. BE CONTENT. HOPE IN THE LORD
Calm – There is a confidence in Christ that gives us the ability to be calm in the middle of chaos. God doesn’t promise us a life free from adversity, we know that. But God describes himself as the rock, our foundation. He is the anchor for our souls giving us security during the storm. David knew this to be true. We should as well.
Quiet – If you only concern yourself with what you say, you will never grow. This is a tough one for me. I’ve always been a talker. Even now, as I continue to work through the book edit and preparation, I’m reminded to be still. Growing in Christ requires us to listen, to hear his call. God promises us his Spirit and it speaks to us. We simply have to quiet our souls to hear – then we follow.
Content – Contentment is curious to me. I certainly don’t think it means to settle or to accept our situation. Additionally, I don’t think it means to be complacent. I believe it has an active component, valuing God above all. Becoming content in Him alone as the core foundation of your life. The weaned child is content in the arms of its mother, so should we be in the arms of God, our Father.
…HOPE IN THE LORD
These three principles provide us an unshakable foundation and the ending reminder is refreshing.
David was human, just like you and I. His struggles were just as real as ours are today. His strength and foundation rested on these truths; our life should demand the same.
MH
Questions: How can you be calm, quiet and content? Where is God calling you?
This devotion is part of Seeking Saturday. Seeking Saturday is a chance for us to reflect on our week. It’s my take on what I have learned and I hope it somehow encourages you. As you read, think back on your week
What did I learn? Where did I go? Where am I going?
I encourage you to rest in this as you walk through your day!
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