Sermon Text: Psalm 131 Bryan Buck Quotes for Reflection Tim & Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus We so often approach God only for what he can give, rather than simply to rest in his presence. John of the Cross, The Ascent to Mount Carmel Where your hope goes, there too will go your joy, fear, and sorrow; and if it turns back, they too will turn back. Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction We are always, it seems, reeling from one side of the road to the other as we travel in the way of faith. At one turning of the road we are presented with awesome problems and terrifying emergencies. We rise to the challenge, take things into our own hands to become master of the situation, telling God, “Thank you, but get lost. We’ll take care of this one ourselves.” At the next turning we are overwhelmed and run in a panic to some kind of infantile religion that will solve all our problems for us, freeing us of the burden of thinking and the difficulty of choosing. We are, alternately, rebellious runaways and whining babies. Worse, we have numerous experts, so-called, encouraging us to pursue one or the other of these ways. Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of David To the weaned child his mother is his comfort though she has denied him comfort. It is a blessed mark of growth out of spiritual infancy when we can forgo the joys which once appeared to be essential, and can find our solace in him who denies them to us. Application Questions 1. What feels too high, too great, and too marvelous right now? What is your typical response, fight or flight, and what happens as a result? 2. The pursuit of control often leads to chaos and loss of meaning. How have you had this experience? 3. What practice can you embrace this week that will allow you to approach God not only for what he can give, but for the rest found in his presence?
