June 9, 2024 - Psalms 131-135

“A Song of Ascents.  Of David.  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).  That’s the entire psalm.  Many times, David testifies that he does not waste time on certain things, things that are unnecessary for him.  Rather, he quiets his soul by meditating on God’s goodness and faithfulness; for example:  “I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy” (Psalm 63:6-7).  David’s testimony reminds me that God has told us how to live and, oh, the blessings that are ours if only we will listen and obey!  Consider these texts:

“[God] made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel” (Psalm 103:7).

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:3-4).

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).

Thus, these morning thoughts:  1) We must know God and his ways, and the only way we can do that is to spend much time in his Word.  2)  We must follow God’s ways, obeying his good and righteous commandments – doers, not merely hearers (James 1:22).  Therein we know blessing and peace untold much as the little child rests in the care of his mother.

Quiet, Lord, my froward heart;

Make me teachable and mild,

Upright, simple, free from art;

Make me as a weaned child,

From distrust and envy free,

Pleased with all that pleases Thee.

As a little child relies

On a care beyond his own,

Knows he’s neither strong nor wise,

Fears to stir a step alone,--

Let me thus with Thee abide,

As my Father, Guard, and Guide.   --John Newton (1779)