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Writer's pictureTrey Harper

Psalm 131

A beautiful psalm is written by David for the children of God to sing on the way to worship Him. I get the sense that David sees all the blessings he has been given and still shows humility. Everything he has received is a blessing from God. Remember what David is- the king of God’s people! Set aside all current politics and consider how taxing this would be on a heart that is devoted to running a country in the way God would have it ran. Nebuchadnezzar will be blessed by God and says [paraphrase mine] “look what I did! This place is great because I have done so well!” David takes a different approach:

(Verse 1, NIV) “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.” David gives recognition for his blessings to God, the giver of all good and perfect gifts. Furthermore, the singer reminds God (and himself) that there are answers to questions we will never receive. God has so meticulously set the universe into motion with laws of physics and mathematics that are immutable. While modern science can answer many questions, we cannot know everything. For example, see your local meteorologist about the weather for opening day of hunting season. I’ll wait. God uses this kind of prompt when Job gets too big-for-his-britches (Job 38.22-30). Some things only God knows, but are we ok with that? David has the singers sing, “yes”!

(Verse 2, NIV) “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content”. Children love to ask questions; stereotypically, “why?” Let us be reminded: “be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14.20b). While children would like to know answers, they ask to learn and grow- not to question the authority of the answer giver. Sing it this way: I will ask of God, not I will question His motives or authority. God knows best, and I will trust the answers He has given, and His heart in unanswered matters.

(Verse 3, NIV) “Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore”. A wonderful reminder for God’s people that we can expect God to be faithful, always. What He has promised, He will fulfill. God wants my soul to be saved. May we ever look to Him, trusting His motives and His wisdom.

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