As all of us face an uncertain future, we must admit that very little is in our control, with wars, weather, weaknesses and woes. In thinking on this, two verses in Psalm 131 spoke to me. “My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters....”

So, if I fuss and worry about things out of my control, I am being proud and haughty, acting as if I could influence these factors. Worry is a manifestation of pride!

Verse two led me to the next insight: “But I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” My soul naturally craves the kind of security that being in control gives; but that is beyond any human being.

Instead, I must look away to the God who actually is in control, who brings what is good (which sometimes is what is very difficult) and rest in His lap. It is up to me to quiet and still my soul, looking at truth, refusing to give in to fear and conjecture.

Verse 3 sums it up: “...put your trust in the Lord both now and forever more.” Who do I trust? My level of worry certainly tells me something about that! This exposure of the sin of pride and its manifestations in me has been good.

After taking care of what is my responsibility (proper preparation), then I must quiet and still my soul, not let it thrash about in a fit of worry and self-pity. This rest is part of the lightness of the yoke Jesus offers us. Let us take it with joy.