Preface
Psalm 131 is one of the Psalms in the Hebrew Bible that is traditionally attributed to King David. It is a short Psalm with only three verses. With additional cross-reference Scriptures, our attempt today is to focus on three essential spiritual lessons for each Child of God.
The goal of this blog post is to communicate to our hearts, the spiritual life-giving properties within this Psalm. This short text reveals our need for the spirit of humility, our ongoing need for unwavering trust, and contentment in the Lord in our lives today.
Quote
“It is not about our gifts and talents, but the condition of our heart and what God can do with a life that is fully surrendered to Him.” [a quote from the post, Humility-Lessons Learnt From Paul. Published on 27 April 2021- Planetshakers]
Grace and Peace
Featured Scripture:
Psalm 131:1-3 Complete Jewish Bible
1 Adonai, [Lord] my heart isn’t proud; I don’t set my sight too high, I don’t take part in great affairs or wonders far beyond me.
2 No, I keep myself calm and quiet, like a little child on its mother’s lap-I keep myself like a little child.
3 Israel put your hope in Adonai [Lord], from now on forever!
Basic Interpretation
In verse one, David writes words that communicate his awareness of aspects of his sinful disposition working within his life. This verse is silent in what actual distress has caused him to approach God for an answer. Within his humble supplication before His God, he in a spirit of repentance, confesses, Lord, my heart is not proud, my eyes are not haughty.
Two major cross-reference Scriptures address the term haughtiness, Psalm 105:5 and Romans 12:16. Those who have been forever changed by the power, glory, and holiness of God’s presence in their lives, quickly learn of God’s requirements and dislikes. Psalm 101:5 discloses the consequences of humanity who are haughty and proud in their hearts.
“If someone slanders another in secret, I will cut him/her off. Haughty eyes and proud hearts I cannot abide“.
The spiritual antidote for having haughty eyes and a proud heart is revealed in Romans 12:16. “Be sensitive to each other needs not to think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends, Don’t be conceited.”
After David’s prayer to God in his appeal for special help and personal weakness, he acknowledges to His heavenly Father, that he does not get involved with things too great or too difficult for himself. David now is showcasing the spirit of humility in the very presence of a loving and Holy God, as we now consider two additional cross-reference Scriptures, Job 42:3, and Psalm 139:6 of the last portion of verse one of Psalms 131.
Job 42:3- You asked, who is this, hiding counsel, without knowing? Yes, I spoke without understanding, wonders far beyond me, which I didn’t know. Once again, God wishes to reinforce our need for the spirit of humility as we encounter our lives in “space and time.”
In Job’s situation, the mindset of Job in this verse reflects his humility, as he acknowledgment of his limitations, and recognition of the vastness and complexity of God’s wisdom and plans.
Job realizes that his previous words and complaints were spoken from a place of ignorance and lack of understanding. He now humbly admits that there are things beyond his comprehension, “things too wonderful” for him to fully grasp.
The major spiritual lesson in this text is the importance of humility and trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering and confusion. Job’s journey throughout the book demonstrates the human struggle to understand the ways of God, especially in times of adversity.
Psalm 139:6, reflects a spiritual mindset and disposition of our need to remain humble while trusting totally in God’s wisdom and sovereignty over His creation and His creatures. Consider these words, “Such wonderful knowledge is beyond them, far too high for me to reach.“
This Psalm is the acknowledgment of God’s knowledge and also points to the comforting truth that God knows and understands us intimately. Despite our human if not fragile limitations, God’s knowledge of us is perfect and complete.
This realization can bring solace and assurance, knowing that we are fully known and loved by the Creator. Ultimately, Psalm 139:6 invites believers to trust in God’s wisdom and to marvel at the depth of His understanding, leading to a deeper sense of awe, gratitude, and reverence in our relationship with Him.
In our examination of verse two, King David discloses his spiritual contentment with God by writing, I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother; I am like a little child. One of the most powerful supportive Scriptures of David’s sentiment is Matthew 18:3.
Yes, I tell you that unless you change and become like little children, you won’t ever enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Using little children as the example in this very familiar verse, faithful followers of the Messiah are to possess humility, trust, and dependency, and cultivate a purity of heart. The notion of “turning” or “becoming like children” suggests a transformative process.
This transformation involves turning away from sin and selfishness and embracing a new way of life centered on God’s kingdom. It also involves repentance, spiritual renewal, and a reorientation of one’s priorities and values as the chief characteristics of a disciple of the Master.
Finally, in verse three, Israel put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever. Shedding light upon David’s spiritual proclamation in this last verse, a supportive Scripture is Psalm 130:7.
Israel put your hope in Adonai! For grace is found with Adonai, and with Him is unlimited redemption. Psalm 130:7 conveys multiple spiritual realities about hope in God. Ultimately, to possess spiritual faith, one is sure of things to hope for, while being certain of the things you cannot see.
This verse also reveals His steadfast love, plentiful redemption throughout all generations, and the ongoing invitation for all individuals and nations to trust in Him for salvation and restoration in the present and eternal life to come. Amen
Grace and Peace
