Scriptures:
Psalm 131
Philippians 4:4-7
Mark 10:13-16
Psalm 28:7
Nehemiah 8:10
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Mark 4:26-29
Matthew 4:18-20
Matthew 11:28-30
Points:
1.Fix your eyes – dump the distractions
2. Come to the Father – back to basics faith
3. Build your faith on Him – sow for the future harvest
4. Find rest in Him – find security and hope
The Big Idea: Discovering Contentment in God’s Presence.
In our fast-paced, achievement-driven world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly striving, planning, and trying to figure everything out on our own. We often find ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of activity, always reaching for the next goal, the next milestone, the next accomplishment. But what if there was a different way? What if, instead of endlessly figuring things out, we could find peace, purpose, and contentment in simply being present with God?
This profound shift in perspective is at the heart of Psalm 131, one of the shortest yet most challenging passages in the Bible. In just three verses, King David – a man who, by all accounts, had much to boast about – presents a radically different approach to life and faith:
“My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.”
These words invite us to embrace a posture of humility, trust, and contentment. They challenge us to let go of our need to control and understand everything, and instead find rest in God’s presence. But how do we practically apply this wisdom to our lives?
Let’s explore four key principles that can help us move from constant figuring to faithful finding.
- Fix Your Eyes on Jesus and Dump the Distractions
In a world that constantly shouts for our attention, it’s crucial to intentionally focus on Jesus. Everything around us – from work and family obligations to social media and entertainment – competes for our time and energy. But David reminds us that true contentment comes from not concerning ourselves with matters too great or wonderful for us.
This doesn’t mean we become passive or irresponsible. Rather, it’s about trusting God with the things beyond our control and understanding. As Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Come Back to Childlike Faith
David compares himself to a weaned child content in its mother’s arms. This beautiful imagery invites us to return to a simple, trusting faith in our Heavenly Father. Just as a young child doesn’t worry about provision or the future, we’re called to rest in God’s care and presence.
Jesus himself emphasized the importance of childlike faith in Mark 10:13-16, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these… Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
This isn’t about being childish or immature. It’s about approaching God with openness, trust, and a willingness to depend on Him completely.
- Build Your Faith and Sow for the Future
While we’re called to childlike trust, our faith should also be active and forward-looking. David concludes Psalm 131 by encouraging all of Israel to put their hope in the Lord “both now and forevermore.” This reminds us that our faith isn’t just for the present moment – it’s an investment in our eternal future.
Jesus used the parable of the sower to illustrate this principle. In Mark 4:26-29, He describes how a farmer scatters seed and then waits, trusting in the natural process of growth. Similarly, we’re called to faithfully sow seeds of trust, obedience, and love, even when we can’t see immediate results.
What seeds are you planting today? How might your current choices and actions be shaping your future harvest?
- Find Your Rest and Security in Him
True contentment isn’t about inactivity or passivity. It’s about finding our security and hope in God alone. When we’re rooted in His love and promises, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and peace.
Jesus extends this invitation to all of us in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This rest isn’t just about physical relaxation. It’s a deep, soul-level peace that comes from knowing we’re loved, valued, and secure in God’s hands.
Embracing a New Perspective
The stories of biblical figures like David and Peter remind us that God often works in unexpected ways. David, a shepherd boy, became Israel’s greatest king. Peter, a simple fisherman, became a bold leader in the early church. In both cases, God saw their potential, called them to a new purpose, and used their existing skills in remarkable ways.
What might God want to do with your life if you trusted Him more fully? How could He repurpose your experiences, skills, and passions for His kingdom?
As we conclude, let’s challenge ourselves to shift from constant figuring to faithful finding.
Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Set aside regular time to simply be in God’s presence, without an agenda.
- Practice giving your worries and anxieties to God through prayer.
- Look for ways to serve others, sowing seeds of kindness and love.
- Reflect on how God has been faithful in the past, building your trust for the future.
- Seek to view your current roles and responsibilities through the lens of God’s purposes.
The goal isn’t to have everything figured out. It’s to find contentment, purpose, and rest in the One who holds all things together. As we learn to trust God more fully, we’ll discover a peace that truly surpasses all understanding.
Discussion Questions
- How can we practically ‘fix our eyes on Jesus’ and ‘dump the distractions’ in our daily lives, especially in a world full of constant noise and demands for our attention?
- David wrote about being content like a ‘weaned child’. In what ways can we cultivate this kind of contentment and trust in God, even when facing difficult circumstances?
- The sermon mentions that ‘God is not a genie’. How might this perspective change our approach to prayer and our relationship with God?
- How can we balance the idea of ‘less figuring, more finding’ with our responsibilities as adults to plan and make decisions?
- The speaker talks about returning to a ‘childlike faith’. What aspects of a child’s approach to life and trust could we incorporate into our spiritual journey as adults?
- How does the concept of ‘sowing seeds for future harvest’ apply to our spiritual lives, and what kinds of seeds should we be sowing?
- The sermon contrasts the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. How can we ensure we’re not just ‘receiving’ from God but also ‘giving’ and allowing His blessings to flow through us?
- Jesus ‘saw, called, and repurposed’ Peter. How might God be trying to repurpose our skills, experiences, or circumstances for His kingdom?
- The speaker asks, ‘Is God enough for you?’ How would truly believing this change our approach to life’s challenges and pursuits?
- How can we practically apply Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to ‘come to me all who are weary and burdened’ in our daily lives?
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