Be Still: Daily Encouragement for MomsNäide

Held by God

I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. -Psalm 131:2

As I was nearing the end of lunch with my sister and her children one afternoon, my sister told my three-year-old niece, Annica, that it was time to get ready for her nap. Her face filled with alarm. “But Aunt Monica did not hold me yet today!” she objected, tears filling her eyes. My sister smiled. “Ok, she may hold you first—how long do you need?” “Five minutes,” she replied.

As I held my niece, I was grateful for how, without even trying, she constantly reminded me what it looks like to love and be loved. I think sometimes we forget that our faith journey is one of learning to experience love—God’s love—more fully than we can imagine (EPHESIANS 3:18). When we lose that focus, we can find ourselves, like the older brother in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, trying desperately to win God’s approval while missing out on all He’s already given us (LUKE 15:25–32).

Psalm 131 is one prayer in Scripture that can help us to “become like little children” (MATTHEW 18:3) and to let go of the battle in our mind over what we don’t understand (PSALM 131:1). Instead, through time with Him we can return to a place of peace (V. 2), finding the hope we need (V. 3) in His love—as calm and quiet as if we were children again in our mothers’ arms (V. 2).

MONICA LA ROSE

How have you experienced the reality of God’s love? How does His love lead you to greater peace and hope?

Loving God, please help me to learn to rest in You.