Psalms 131

Resting in God’s Peace

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. ~ Psalms 131:2

It wasn’t too long ago that I found myself struggling in my relationship with one of my children. In fact, I went through a season like this with each of them as they transitioned into adulthood. The connection we once shared seemed strained, and no matter how hard I tried, I felt like I was losing my place in their lives. I wanted so badly to guide them, to help them make the right choices, and to be a steady presence. But instead of drawing closer, they were pulling away. Conversations that used to flow effortlessly became tense, and my words of advice, given out of love, were met with resistance. The more I tried to hold on, the more distant they seemed to become.

As a parent, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if we just say the right thing, push a little harder, or try to fix things, we can make everything turn out the way we want. But over time, I realized that my striving, my worrying, and my need to control the outcome were not helping either of us. In my most recent conflict with my youngest, I had to surrender my desire to force understanding and instead trust that the Holy Spirit was at work, no matter what the outward circumstances seemed to show.

It wasn’t easy, but I started to trust God more fully with my son’s journey. Instead of pressuring him into conversations, I started praying more and talking less. I found peace in simply being present, listening without judgment, offering love without expectation, and trusting that the seeds of faith and wisdom that had been planted in him would take root in their own time. I had to quiet my own anxious heart and rest in the assurance that God was working in his life, even when I couldn’t see it.

Psalm 131 paints a beautiful picture of trust and peace of a child resting in the presence of a loving parent, not anxiously demanding but simply being still. The psalmist compares this to a weaned child with its mother, no longer crying for immediate needs but finding contentment in closeness. This is the kind of relationship God invites us into. Not one of striving or struggling for control, but one of trust and surrender.

Just as I had to release my grip on my child’s journey, we must also release our grip on the things we cannot control. Whether it’s a child making their own way, a relationship that feels distant, or a situation that weighs heavily on our hearts, peace comes when we quiet our souls and rest in God’s presence. Parenting, relationships, and even our own spiritual growth are not about forcing outcomes but about surrendering to God’s purpose, timing and care.

If you are in a season where connection feels strained, whether with a child, a spouse, a friend, or even with God, here are some steps to help you move toward peace:

• Let Go of Control: Ask yourself if you are holding on too tightly. Are you trying to force something that needs time and trust to grow? Sometimes, releasing control is the first step to real connection.
• Be Present: Sometimes, the best way to connect is simply to show up, to listen, and to love without an agenda. A quiet, consistent presence can speak louder than words.
• Trust God’s Plan: Pray for your child, your loved ones, and your circumstances. Surrender your worries and believe that God is working in ways you cannot see yet. Let His peace replace your anxiety.
• Model Rest in God: When your child or loved one sees you living in a posture of trust rather than fear, they will learn from your example. Your peace can be an anchor for them as well.

Today I want to encourage you to take a moment to release your anxieties to God. Bring your child, your relationships, and your concerns before Him in prayer. Instead of rushing to fix things, take a deep breath and ask God to help you trust His hand in the situation. Then, focus on being present, whether through a simple conversation, a shared moment, or just by showing love in a way that speaks to their heart.

Psalm 131 reminds us that true peace doesn’t come from having all the answers or controlling every outcome.  It comes from quieting our hearts and trusting in God’s faithfulness. No matter how uncertain things may seem, when you surrender to His plan, He is a faithful Father, guiding both ourselves and our loved ones on His perfect path.

Let go, lean into His presence, and trust that He is working all things together for good.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 131

1 Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.

2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.