A Lullaby for my Soul
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me – Psalm 131:2
Nestled at the close of the Psalms is this brief three-verse song. If you were reading through the Psalms, you might breeze right past it. In Psalm 131, David paints a tender portrait of his soul — the essence of his eternal spirit — cradled upon his lap like a weaned child, resting quietly and content.
I have three children all very close in age. Even though we’re entering the teenage years, I still treasure the memories of holding them as little babies in my arms. I loved those quiet evening moments after bathtime and a final feeding, when my baby was fresh and clean, nestled in my arms as we rocked together by the glow of the nightlight. He would sigh deeply, not from weariness, but from contentment — fully at rest, feeling safe and secure.
I also remember holding them when they were especially troubled, wiggling and fussing in my lap, usually on an airplane with dozens of unhappy passengers sending me angry glances from across the aisles. Thinking about these moments is enough to cause my blood pressure to rise, remembering how frustrating it was as I helplessly attempted every tactic to calm my distressed babies.
What about you? Picture yourself cradling your soul like David did in Psalm 131 — tenderly holding it in your lap. Is your soul restful and content with all of its spiritual needs satisfied? Is your soul wounded and grieving over lost dreams and unfulfilled expectations? Is your soul desperately grasping for any cheap fix to pacify its cravings?
Be Still, My Soul. This is more than a song. It’s a lullaby for your soul. It’s a declaration that is echoed throughout the Scriptures. Join David and draw your soul near, cradling it with truth, singing softly until it rests in the stillness of Jesus’ presence. How are you responding to the daily pressures and stresses of this broken world? Picture your soul as you sing these comforting words, reminding yourself of the One to whom you belong. Remember, your soul is not called to slumber, but to be fully at rest — a rest that comes through living out your salvation — in the care of the Creator and Sustainer of your soul.
Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to your God to order and provide.
Earlier in Psalm 131, David declares why his soul is so satisfied. “I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me” (v.1). David had many perplexing problems and questions — marvelous things — but he relinquished these cares to the sovereign God. If your soul is restless with worry, release it to the One who orders the universe and tenderly provides for His children.
Be still, my soul! The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he lived below.
The storm was raging and the waves were crashing into the boat, threatening the disciples’ lives with every lurch of the sea. “Don’t you care if we drown?” they asked Jesus when they shook him awake. “Be still,” He uttered, and everything went silent. How astonishing that the winds and waves obey Jesus’ voice! What authority He has over every element of our world — spiritual and physical! If your soul is getting whiplash from the torrential current of your world, drown out the storm with this powerful lullaby. Be still, my soul!
Be still, my soul! Your Jesus can repay from His own fullness all He takes away.
Is your soul familiar with abandonment and loss? You’re in good company. King David wailed, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and Jesus echoed these words while He gasped His final breaths on the cross. Our souls aren’t designed for loss. It’s a result of the fallen world, and every subtraction leaves a stinging empty space in our lives. But God promises to replace every loss with something even greater — His very presence. Comfort your soul with this truth. The same hands that took away will provide His Spirit in abundance. God doesn’t promise life will be easy and trouble-free, but He does promise the gift of His abiding presence through our sufferings.
Be still my soul! When change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). There will be a day when your soul will finally be in the presence of your Savior. There will be a day when there will be no need to sing lullabies to your soul. No more striving. No more silence. No more wondering if He sees. Only the matchless radiance of Jesus Christ, in whom our souls will finally find eternal rest.
So, how is your soul doing? To pause and ask this question is an act of tender care. This song is a wonderfully humbling reminder that you are the weary infant in the arms of Jesus. Is your soul and life exhausted and troubled, beat down by the fears and cares of this world? In your restless squirming, His arms are strong. He never grows weary or impatient as you navigate the struggles of this broken world. His tender love surpasses even the sweetest and most comforting care an earthly mother could give. So in your darkest moments, sing this quiet lullaby of hope to yourself. Wait expectantly for the Lord. His presence is the gift God delights to give, the peace that surpasses understanding. In His nearness, your restless soul will find rest.
Written by: Lauren Speaks