That Place of Discontent

May 19

Whom do you trust more? You or me? And whom do you know better, you or me?

You see, I know you more than you know yourself. Why put your trust in someone you don’t know? You know me–your heart knows me. but the world teaches you to forget this.

* * *

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead…

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you” (Philippians 3:10-15, NIV).

* * *

Let your heart lead you to a place to sit and relax–inside or outside, tucked away where you can feel the quiet soothing you. If you have headphones of some sort, you might want to put them on now and listen to instrumental music. At this moment, in this space, be open to drawing inward. Let Holy Spirit lead you deeper–to the place in your heart where you might be able to hear God’s whispers more readily.

As you settle in, empty your hands, close your eyes, and place your palms upward in your lap. Draw in a deep, slow breath for a count of four. Hold this breath for a count of four, and then gently release it for a count of four. Repeat as many times as you need to, letting yourself–your mind and body–gently slow. As you breathe, consecrate your mind, your every plan for this day, your every worry and concern to Jesus. Dedicate to him this time, your heart. Bring all under his care and kingdom.

Jesus, come for my heart now. I give it to you. I consecrate my mind, my intentions. I give You _________ (Name each concern)......

Now, imagine Jesus sitting across from you. He has opened up the Psalms to 131 and is reading to you these words of David’s. It is a Psalm that touches on the tricky topic of ambition (rooted in pride) versus aspirations (rooted in trust in God). Read the Psalm once silently–and then a second time aloud in The Message translation written below. Listen to each verse carefully as you speak the words, imagining that you are the author–these are your words, your song to God. Pay attention to how the words of the Psalm make you feel. Relaxed, uncomfortable, challenged, curious, peaceful, confused….?

Psalm 131

God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,

I don’t want to be king of the mountain.

I haven’t meddled where I have no business

or fantasized grandiose plans.

I’ve kept my feet on the ground,

I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.

Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,

my soul is a baby content.

Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.

Hope now; hope always!

Read the Psalm a third time, using the space in the margin to write thoughts that are stirring within you. What ideas feel relatable or foreign? Do these words feel true for you, personally?

Questions to consider:

What does “ruling the roost” or being “king of the mountain” mean for you practically in your life? What ambitions do you have that feel separate from God? What aspirations feel aligned with him?

What does contentment mean to you? What does it look like in your life to have a soul that is completely content with God?

How is God weaning you so you are content in him completely? How is this going?

In your journal, have a conversation with God about the Psalm. Let Him guide you–and if it feels right, consider modifying it to make the lines feel, for you right now, most true.

Lord, when I read this Psalm, I feel/ I notice/I think . . .
What do You want me to see and understand about this Psalm?

Stay here for a while. Don’t rush. Read and reread. Let the words of the Psalm enter your heart; let them lead you deeper into what God wants to speak to you right now.

Finally, if you have time, revisit the scripture at the top of the page, Philippians 3:10-15. What do the ideas of “pressing ahead” and being “mature” mean for you? In what areas of your life do you feel God is inviting you to trust Him more and rely on Him more? Talk to Him about it–in your heart, or write out your conversation with Him in your journal.