Day One

by Jordan Dorsett

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

I need peace and respite from my own heart. It lies to me about who I am. Left to itself, my heart lifts me up on rickety platforms into dreadful and dangerous spaces. My heart takes me far out of reach of those who know the truth of who I am, and love me still. It binds me to that which will betray me, poisoning love and banishing trust.

I need peace and respite from my own eyes. They lie to me about what I want. Left to wander, my eyes will look bare upon the sun and blind me. My eyes ever widen, casting ravenously for some new snare. They would capture me with the sight of beautiful, licentious death.

But with a righteous heart, and eyes only for my flourishing, the Lord holds me. Like a mother to her child, he hears my hunger cries and he satisfies my soul. He coaxes my eyes to his face, and quiets me. In his arms are peace and respite. He knows me, and he tells me who I am.

I am the Lord’s–today and forevermore.

PRAYER

Father of peace, Giver of rest, bring your Kingdom to bear in my home. Quiet my heart and direct my eyes to your face with your Holy Spirit. Rescue me from the altars of ambition, pride, distraction, and consumption where I so often worship. Remind me today of your Son, born into chaos to bring forth peace. In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, amen.