Quieted
One of my former students was at church recently with her new baby girl. She carried the infant close in a sling hung from her shoulder. I have also watched a niece capably cradle her littlest in this way to free her hands for her other two small children. These pictures came to mind with a phrase this week in Psalms 131:
“Surely, I have calmed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child [resting] with its mother; My soul is like a weaned child within me [composed and free from discontent]” (verse 2 AMP).
Women all over the world snuggle their babies close like that–close to familiar heartbeat, smell and voice. I remember it was especially comforting to be rocked and held this way when I had the earache. It also brought to mind the times that our mother would lie down with us to quiet our fears and stresses so that we could get to sleep. My grandson is ten this year, but during a recent trip to the beach, he crawled up into my husband’s lap for a cuddle at the end of the day. It was endearing to know that this gangly growing baseball player still needed his Papa, even if it lasted only a minute.
Our heavenly Father longs to enfold us in His arms. He wants to comfort us in the struggles, to satisfy us with His love, His presence. He longs to draw us close, to know Him better. I remember with sadness my busy life returning to teach after my youngest was born; he would often cling to my leg while I prepared supper crying,” Hold you, Mama, hold you.” I can’t get those times back, but I regret I did not hold him more. Too soon, he was off and running and didn’t need me.
God doesn’t put us off that way. Jesus said plainly, “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 CEV) How we take those words for granted! Don’t they mean we must allow God to get close enough to shoulder the load with us and then to walk in step with Him? I think the process must take lots of practice.
Oh Lord God, you are the one who longs to come along side to comfort and ease my load. I want to learn. I look to you. I cry out to you for rest.
It is comforting to know that the Lord is there for us to comfort and hold us close to His heart.
I needed this today. Thanks for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you, Luwana.
What a comfort to know that we never get too big, too old, too wise to need the lap of our Heavenly Daddy. Good Word today.