Epiphany 8 / OT 8
Devotional
Water From the Well
Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A
Object:
... my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.
-- Psalm 131:2
Patrick Miller, professor of Old Testament, has suggested that this is one psalm that we can be certain was written by a woman. She speaks of the firm, quiet confidence of her relationship with God as being like that of a small infant child that is with its mother. After all the philosophical debates are over and all the doctrinal disputes have subsided, the essence of our faith rests on the core of our relationship with God. "I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me." Without that innocent level of trust in God's love, much of what we believe can be challenged by the mysteries that are beyond our comprehension. A recently weaned child is beginning to venture out into the larger world. Having emerged from the womb and been fed at her mother's breast, now she begins to venture forth. The world can appear frightening unless she can occasionally return and be held by the mother who has birthed her. It is in that reassurance that she again gains confidence to venture back out into the world. For the believers, prayer and worship can be experiences of reconnection with God. For a moment, we leave all of the debates and challenges behind and simply rest in the joy and peace of the primary relationship that gives us strength. "But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother...."
-- Psalm 131:2
Patrick Miller, professor of Old Testament, has suggested that this is one psalm that we can be certain was written by a woman. She speaks of the firm, quiet confidence of her relationship with God as being like that of a small infant child that is with its mother. After all the philosophical debates are over and all the doctrinal disputes have subsided, the essence of our faith rests on the core of our relationship with God. "I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me." Without that innocent level of trust in God's love, much of what we believe can be challenged by the mysteries that are beyond our comprehension. A recently weaned child is beginning to venture out into the larger world. Having emerged from the womb and been fed at her mother's breast, now she begins to venture forth. The world can appear frightening unless she can occasionally return and be held by the mother who has birthed her. It is in that reassurance that she again gains confidence to venture back out into the world. For the believers, prayer and worship can be experiences of reconnection with God. For a moment, we leave all of the debates and challenges behind and simply rest in the joy and peace of the primary relationship that gives us strength. "But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother...."
