Psalm 131:1-3  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.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭131:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.131.1-3.NIV

God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain. I haven’t meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content. Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭131:1-3‬ ‭MSG‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.131.1-3.MSG

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Crosby, Stills, and Nash recorded one of the shortest hit songs of the 1970s. Graham Nash was preparing to fly home to Los Angeles from Hawaii to begin a concert tour. One of his friends in Hawaii bet him he could not write a song before he had to go. Nash dashed off these words, the final stanza of five:

Just a song before I go
A lesson to be learned
Traveling twice the speed of sound
It’s easy to get burned

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Graham Nash
Just a Song Before I Go lyrics © Nash Notes

Nash’s friend paid off the $500 bet. Nash appeared on a late-night talk show a few years ago and said he still has that $500. 

Sometimes simple statements of truth are best. Simple songs, simple sermons, simple instructions provide a sense of ease. Occam’s Razor says the simplest explanation is probably the best. This is a simple reduction of the full statement of Occam’s Razor. 

King David gives three wee verses of simple truth simply stated. He provides a picture we can all imagine. He describes the simple pleasure of peaceful repose. 

Sometimes a lawn chair by the lake as the sun goes down works grace into our souls.

Sometimes a snack halfway up a mountain trail next to a snowmelt stream creates an energy of its own.

Sometimes a flight above an endless vista of snowcapped mountains creates the perfect moment of wonder.

Sometimes we are reminded of simple truths about God’s goodness and our sure hope in him. 

Peace and purpose are found here. 

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I will rest my soul in God’s goodness.

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Our Father, you make us lie down, you provide moments of reflection, you restore our souls. You lead us ever and always on the right paths at the right speed. What contentment accompanies this truth! Amen.