June 15, 2026 - Psalms 131-135

A psalm of David in which he tells of his humility and trust in the Lord.  Yeah, yeah, I know we like to say that if one has to explain his personal humility, he’s not being too humble.  Sort of like that which is reflected in the fictional book title, “Humility and How I Achieved It.” J  David, though, could legitimately testify that his heart was not lifted up.  His eyes were not raised too high.  The great king he was, still, he knew his place.  And his place was before the Lord and trusting in his God rather than his own devices and abilities.

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 (131:1-3).

David’s perspective was neither arrogance nor merely wishful thinking.  Rather, like a small child trusting his mother, David trusted in the Lord and his soul was quieted.  In the hymn writer’s words, he testified of the same trust in the Lord and the quiet calmness that accompanies that trust.  That’s the way of the child of God!

Not haughty is my heart,

not lofty is my pride;

I do not seek to know the things

God's wisdom has denied.

With childlike trust, O LORD,

in Thee I calmly rest,

contented as a little child

upon its mother's breast.

Ye people of the LORD,

in Him alone confide;

from this time forth and evermore

His wisdom be your guide.   –Anonymous (1912)