Release Yourself From The Pressure To Be Expert (Psalm 131:1)
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“LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp." — Psalm 131:1 (NLT)
The psalmist stated his commitment. He would not concern himself with matters too great or too awesome to grasp. He knew he was not God, would never be God, and could not replace God. In his infinite wisdom and knowledge, God can handle thoughts regarding all matters, but we are not him, so we cannot.
This insight is not a major revelation but is worthy of repeating to ourselves. I often feel the need to weigh in on things above (or below) my pay grade. I cannot keep up with everything there is to know, but I am tempted to try. I often think I need to have it all figured out, but there are many matters too great and too awesome for me to grasp. No matter how hard I try, I cannot. I want to stay in my lane, know what I’m supposed to know, and move on.
I have been thinking quite a bit lately about the childlike faith Christ loves and desires (Mark 10:15). That faith is one of pure trust. As time passes, experience and knowledge are acquired. You increasingly understand how complicated life is. You see the entrenched positions of those enslaved to sin. You feel the impossibility of the gospel task to make disciples of all nations. It can become easy to allow the overwhelmed state to become your fixed position. However, a childlike faith trusts in God and moves forward, believing he can do that which is impossible. To hear some people talk, you would think they were a five-star general, a leading family therapist, an impeccable head of state, an articulate philosopher, a master theologian, and a brilliant scholar all blended into one.
I do not know how some people groups will hear the gospel, but with childlike faith, I believe they will. I do not know how the nations should get along together, but with childlike faith, I believe Jesus will come and establish his rule and reign. I do not know how my finances will work out, much less the national economy’s, but I trust my Father will provide. I do not know how every ministry and role at our church should function, but with childlike faith, I give it to God.
There are times when the complexities of the world and life overwhelm those paying attention. In those times, it is good to remember we have a loving Father God who is sovereign over the affairs of man. He is able. Sometimes, it is good to pray, “I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.”