The first problem he mentions has to do with how our culture encourages ambition without limits and always wants more and more but never satisfied. The desire is to rise to the top, be in control and be No#1. Even our arrogance and pridefulness of taking things into our own hands is looked as a virtue in our society today. But that is not God’s way. The Psalmist starts out by saying, “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.” He knew better than to be his own god and taking things into his own hands. The Psalmist seems to recognize the need to be humble and not arrogant and parading his self-importance.
The second problem to guard against is not growing up, but remaining an infant in dependency that others should cater to. It gives the impression of wanting to be protected, and perhaps indulged in just as a baby who has not been weaned and cries out for attention. But the Psalm goes on to say, “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!” We are to be like the weaned child that is content and can just rest at our mother’s side, being close to her. We love her for herself and not for what she can do for us. God desires that we love and worship Him for Himself and not because of what He can do for us and give us. That transition does not take place overnight but in time we can go from an infant to one that goes on to maturity.
A mark of maturity is freely coming to the Lord with a trusting heart and being able to wait like the weaned child. Just like the Psalm closes with the words,” Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!” We can wait quietly with an expectant heart for whatever the Lord has for us.
Leave a Reply