Formula For De-stressing

I think David was on to something when he penned this psalm. When compared with some of David’s other psalms, this one indicates a wisdom and truth which may have come through the trials he endured, and paints a picture of a man who has learned how to de-stress. He seems to have realised that the place of peace is time out with the Lord, not getting concerned about world events, or figuring out complex situations.

Buying a house can be a stressful process. Some years ago, after months of viewing 60-70 houses during the crazy housing price boom, and getting tired and stressed, I sensed that I was to take a break from looking for a house. It made no sense to me to be paying rent instead of purchasing a house, but I knew that the Lord was prompting me to stop striving and concerning myself with things too great for me.

A year later, as the market was falling, house prices tumbled. And while out walking one day, I saw an advert for a price slash on some new houses. That gentle nudge came again from heaven, and I knew that it was the right time to buy.

Sometimes what the Lord wants us to do seems to oppose what we think is the right thing to do. When we strive and stress, we are generally walking in our own strength and understanding, and need to take time out with the Lord to get a heavenly perspective and find peace again.

We know from other psalms that David spoke encouragement over himself when going through trials. ‘Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him’ (Psalm 42:5).

David seems to have applied this principle before penning Psalm 131, as verse 2 continues ‘But I have calmed and quietened myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content’. I love the picture David paints here. A weaned child with its mother, is calm, at peace, comforted and content. David is illustrating through these words about how he feels in the Lord’s presence.

Do you, or does someone you know, need to be encouraged to let go of strife and stress today? Reading Psalm 131 and reflecting on its truths, as well as applying them, could just be the answer needed to de-stress and rest in the Lord’s presence.