It is said that a faithful Christ-follower can see the world more clearly than all others. Such a person is neither gullible nor cynical, neither denying the reality of evil and suffering nor overcome by them, neither puffed with confidence nor lacking sure hope. Such a person can mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. Such a person is, in a word, honest.
To see the world clearly is, as we noted in Psalms 73 and 27, to acknowledge the disorienting realities in which we live. Though our faith holds to the fact of unseen workings, it does not deny or avoid observable reality. Our faith also, as we will discover in Psalm 131, recognizes “how life with God really is.”
Psalm 131 is short, only three verses, the last a communal refrain to let the first two verses be the lived experience of God’s people. And yet, this petite poem, this “glad acceptance of life on the terms God gives,” provides us with the evaluating orientation needed to be ones who can live life honestly.
The first verse states in negative terms what would keep the psalmist from experiencing the serenity of the second verse. Verse one is a statement of innocence, the psalmist having not lifted up her heart above the LORD, having not raised his ambitions higher than the LORD’s intentions, having not wrestled to conquer greatness, nor having striven after things beyond him. The psalmist has not made himself the center of the universe, but understands her proper relation to God as “one of subordination, submission, trust, which the speaker gladly accepts.”
The second verse counters the first, positively describing the care, confidence, and freedom that comes from a willing submission to God’s motherly affections. Submission, the denial of autonomous independence and self-sufficiency, does not result in repression, but real maturity through a dependent relationship.
PREPARATION:
IMPORTANT: Try to make sure you have at least 25 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is okay! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer, it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
PRACTICE:
READ
Read Psalm 131 slowly.
Now that you are familiar with the context and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today. If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, immersing yourself in the psalm’s statement of innocence and declaration of serenity. As you read,
· Listen for a word or phrase that stands out to you. Don’t choose this yourself, let the Spirit bring it to your mind. Even if you don’t like it, try to welcome it with humility (it’s key!) and see what happens.
· Consider which verse you find yourself? Are you in verse one, grappling with the “nots,” contending with mindset and affections that would keep you from living honestly with God? Are you in verse two, enjoying (or longing to) the well-being of a child held close and yet free?
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to ponder the questions and listen quietly.
REFLECT
Reread the psalm, slowly. As you reflect on the psalm, consider the following:
· The word or phrase or detail that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
· Your place in the psalm. Which of the four negatives is standing out? What aspect of a content soul most resonates (or do you most desire)?
Give yourself 3-5 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How does this connect with my life today? What do I need to know or be or do?”
RESPOND
Read the psalm one last time, preparing yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you as you found yourself in the psalm.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or confess to God something or ask God for something.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST
Do as you are led for the last 5 minutes. You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus. You may want to pay attention to God, pondering: your proper relation to God, what life with God really is, and what makes you desire to be with him? Sit in the companionship of God—like a child whose soul is content!