Ruling the Roost
It Started Early
From the time I started talking until well into my elementary years, my dad would often lean down, put his face close to mine and gently yet firmly ask me, “Who’s in charge?” While at times I felt like I was being brainwashed (just kidding, Dad. Sort of.), it was obvious that Little Miss Bossy (AKA me) needed early and frequent reminders that I was not holding the reins. (Growing up, I had a pillow on my bed with a fancy embroidered quote: “Princess of Quite A Lot.” That’s what we’re dealing with, here.)
And I still need reminders today that I’m not in charge (EVERY day, if I’m being honest).
So when I landed on Psalm 131 last week, I just smiled and figured it was time for another reminder of who is really in charge. (Spoiler alert: it isn’t me. Or even my dad. It’s God.)
I read Psalm 131 in the ESV and the NIV, but when I read it in The Message, it stopped me dead in my tracks. Usually, I start by copying a Scripture passage into my journal. But this time, as I copied Psalm 131 into my journal, I found myself adding in my own thoughts with each verse…
Straight from My Journal
Psalm 131
God, I’m not trying to rule the roost (or maybe I am),
I don’t want to be king of the mountain (well, actually, I wouldn’t mind it ).
I haven’t meddled where I have no business (lie detected)
or fantasized grandiose plans (mmmm, yeah, I have. I do).
I’ve kept my feet on the ground (and my head in the clouds),
I’ve cultivated a quiet heart (and a loud mouth).
Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,
my soul is a baby content (in a milk coma, maybe?).
Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope (I swear I’m trying, God, but you’re taking a super long time! Do you need my help?).
Hope now; hope always (*sigh* Ok. I’ll try.)!
My Prayer
Lord, this one stepped on my toes. Full disclosure: I HAVE tried to rule the roost. I HAVE tried to make things happen on my own, and I’m a LOUSY wait-er.
I spend so much time planning out how things will work in the future that I miss what you’re doing in the present. I know none of this surprises You, Lord, but there. I’ve confessed. And I know I need to say it, so here it goes:
I am NOT in charge. You are.
I surrender. I give up trying to steal the reins (at least today, I do. Just telling you upfront: I’ll probably need a reminder again tomorrow).
You see and know everything, Lord. The past, present and future are in Your hands. Nothing surprises You, and nothing is too hard for You. Your plan is infinitely better than anything I can even dream up. Why would I not trust You? Why would I not wait for you?
Conquer me, Lord. Surround me. Hem me in. Keep me.
When I’m tempted to run ahead, help me wait and rest.
Help my soul sit patiently, content like a baby placid preschooler, criss-cross-applesauce, hands in my lap, mouth closed, quietly waiting with confidence that my teacher has exciting plans for me.
Keep keeping me, Lord.
