Psalm 131 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 131 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
Verse 2But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.
Verse 3O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore.
Devotion
What do you think about the situation in Iraq? Do you think we’ll ever win? How long is this violence going to last?
As veteran of Iraq, I am often asked these questions. I can tell you a lot about the small region near Fallujah where I was stationed. But as for the rest of Iraq, there are many questions I can’t answer. It’s tempting to puff up my little knowledge so I look like an expert. But the best answer is to say, “I don’t know,” even if that’s not the answer people want to hear.
After nine years as a pastor, I also know a lot of things about God and the church. With all that knowledge, I am regularly asked questions about God for which I do not have an answer. People in pain want someone to have the answers. Am I strong enough to admit when I don’t have them?
Prayer
Lord, when I am right, make me humble. When I am wrong, make me accept correction. And when I don’t know, make me brave enough to admit it. Amen.