January 13-17

When Faith Grows Up

"O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore." – Psalm 131:1-3 (ESV)

A young boy was once eager to help his dad with a home improvement project. Handing his father tools and watching intently, he grew increasingly frustrated that he wasn’t allowed to handle the saw or hammer. “You’ll get your chance,” his dad reassured him. Years later, the boy, now a young man, recalled that moment while helping his own son build a treehouse. He realized that maturity isn’t just about knowing what to do but also understanding when to wait, trust, and follow the lead of someone wiser. Faith works much the same way—it grows through learning humility, contentment, and trust.

Psalm 131 is a short but profound psalm of maturity. David presents the image of faith that has outgrown childish demands and reckless pride. He describes a heart that has learned to rest in God’s presence without striving for answers beyond understanding. Pastor Jim often teaches that spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality, surrender, and trust in the Lord. A growing faith embraces humility, cultivates contentment, and lives in hopeful dependence on God. When faith grows up, it transforms how we approach life, relationships, and even our struggles.

Reflection Questions:
1. What is one area where your faith has matured?
2. How can you intentionally cultivate growth in your faith this week?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, grow my faith to reflect Your heart. Help me release pride, learn contentment, and trust You completely. Shape me into a person who lives for Your glory. Amen.

Denounce Pride—Grown-Up Faith Is Humble

"O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me." – Psalm 131:1 (ESV)

Years ago, a famous chef was asked to judge a school cooking competition. One contestant, a teenager, was so confident in his dish that he loudly declared, “I’ve already won!” When the results were announced, his dish didn’t even place. Humiliated, he realized that his arrogance had blinded him to constructive feedback that could have improved his cooking. True greatness requires humility, not self-promotion.

David’s words in verse 1 reflect a heart that has rejected pride. He acknowledges that some things are too marvelous for him, a reminder of God’s vastness and our human limitations. Humility is not weakness but strength under God’s control. It recognizes that God’s plans are higher than ours and His understanding far exceeds our grasp. Spiritual maturity begins with laying aside pride and embracing our dependence on Him.

Reflection Questions:
1. What prideful thoughts or actions do you need to surrender to God?
2. How does humility help you trust God more deeply?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, I surrender my pride to You. Teach me to live humbly, acknowledging that You are the source of all wisdom and strength. Let my life bring glory to You alone. Amen.

Wednesday: Develop Contentment—Grown-Up Faith Is Honest

"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 (ESV)

Imagine a toddler at a grocery store throwing a tantrum for candy. The mother patiently holds her ground, teaching the child an important lesson: not every desire is a need. Years later, the same child is now a parent who chuckles at their own child’s grocery store outburst. Learning to let go of instant gratification is a mark of growth—not just in life but in faith.

David compares his soul to a weaned child—a powerful image of maturity. A weaned child no longer cries for constant sustenance but rests contentedly in the presence of its mother. Contentment is learned through trust in God’s provision, even when life feels uncertain. True contentment doesn’t depend on circumstances but on the unchanging character of God. Spend time today reflecting on God’s faithfulness. Trust that He knows your needs better than you do and will provide in His perfect timing.

Reflection Questions:
1. What unmet desires are keeping your soul from resting in God?
2. How can you practice gratitude to cultivate contentment?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, calm my restless heart. Teach me to be content in You, knowing that You provide all I need. Help me trust Your timing and wisdom. Amen.

Demonstrate Trust—Grown-Up Faith Is Hopeful

"O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore." – Psalm 131:3 (ESV)

A tightrope walker performing over Niagara Falls once asked the crowd if they believed he could push a wheelbarrow across the rope. They cheered loudly, affirming their belief. Then he asked for a volunteer to sit in the wheelbarrow. The crowd fell silent. It’s one thing to say you trust, but another to live it out.

David ends the psalm with a call to hope in the Lord, emphasizing the permanence of this trust. Pastor Jim reminded us that hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a confident assurance in God’s promises. Hope grows as faith matures, shifting from self-reliance to complete dependence on God. When we live out this hope, it impacts not just our own lives but also those around us.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what areas are you struggling to fully trust God?
2. How can your hope in God inspire others around you?

Suggested Prayer:
God, deepen my trust in You. Help me live out my hope in Your promises and reflect Your faithfulness to others. May my life point people to Your unchanging goodness. Amen.

Rest in God’s Sovereignty—Grown-Up Faith Is Peaceful

"O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul..." – Psalm 131:1-3 (ESV)

A farmer once watched a flock of birds panic before an approaching storm. Despite their fluttering and noise, they found shelter when they finally landed under the eaves of his barn. Their peace came when they stopped striving and rested where safety was already provided.

David’s psalm paints a picture of faith that has learned to rest in God’s sovereignty. We must realize the importance of relinquishing control and trusting God’s plan. Maturity in faith recognizes that while life may be chaotic, God remains steady and unshaken. His peace is available to those who quiet their hearts and place their burdens in His hands. Today, take a moment to lay your burdens at God’s feet. Rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He holds all things together.

Reflection Questions:
1. What burdens are you carrying that you need to release to God?
2. How can resting in God’s sovereignty bring peace to your life?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my refuge in every storm. Teach me to quiet my soul and rest in Your sovereignty. Help me trust that You are working all things for good. Amen.