Psalm 113

"Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time on and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 113:2-9).

Comment:

This passionate hymn celebrates the Lord as a helper of the humble, referring obliquely to incidents and characters from Jewish history whom the Lord did, indeed, 'raise up.' David himself was a poor shepherd, and many of the great leaders who preceded him (Gideon, Samson) were from lowly families. And, of course, many women in Jewish history were thought to be barren before giving birth to important sons—starting with Sarah, Rebekah, the mother of Samson, and moving forward to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

Metaphysically, we understand that the Christ energy, the Lord of our being, is not limited in any way. A 'barren woman' in that society was a symbol of an unfulfilled life. Our lives may feel unfulfilled in many ways, but surrendering to the Christ within us allows us to find comfort, joy, and purpose. As to your question about staying home with your children or going out to work, the answer that is right for you is not in the Bible; it is in your heart. The Bible can guide you by gently affirming, as in this psalm, that the will of the Lord of your being is always for your highest good. That guidance lies within you.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed