Read
(A song by David for worship.)
Trust the Lord!
1I am not conceited, Lord,
and I don't waste my time
on impossible schemes.
2But I have learned to feel safe
and satisfied,
like a young child
in its mother's arms.
3People of Israel,
you must trust the Lord
now and forever.
Reflect
Two 2 ½ year olds in the nursery at church recently illustrated for me the message of this Psalm.
One child, whose mother remained in the room, immediately entered into the activities with confidence. The other, whose mother didn’t stay, hung back for a quite a while before feeling comfortable enough to join in. Both were familiar with the room and the other adults. But I sensed the very presence of mother was a significant factor in providing security.
This short Psalm was intended for worshippers to sing as they ascended the temple mount for worship. David is revealing his own experience of entering worship – not with a heart that is proudly concerned with things beyond his understanding – but with the simple trust of a contented child with his mother.
It’s a reminder we all need.
How often do we spend time and energy focused on things that are beyond our understanding and control? Sometimes we fret because we assume that we have to find the solution and are disturbed by the fact that we can’t. Or we fret because we don’t know how circumstances will affect us.
A child with his or her mother doesn’t do that. Mother is trustworthy; the child’s world is safe; the child is contented.
The invitation is for us to enter into worship with that same trust – putting our hope in the Lord as the one who has the answers to the problems that rob our peace – in the same way children look to parents, confident in their ability to take care of them.
The psalmist calls us to enter into worship with that same attitude of complete trust in God. A heart that trusts in God is a heart at peace and is therefore a heart that is able to truly worship.
Respond
My Father, you are the only one who can give me true peace. As I place my hope in you, help me to approach my worship of you with that same simple trust a contented child experiences. Amen.
Lynn Smith
Lynn served Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto as Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Development where leadership development became the focus of her involvement with students. After retiring, she co-founded NextLEVEL Leadership, an International organization focused on encouraging Christian women to develop in their leadership roles in the marketplace, profession or ministry. Her passion for seeing others grow in their leadership confidence has inspired her to teach and mentor wherever God calls. Publications: Gender or Giftedness: a Challenge to rethink the basis for leadership within the Faith Community; Mentoring: Leaving a Legacy; Fred's Not Here - Living with Alzheimer Disease takes Courage