Psalms 131

Chapter Summary

Psalms 131 is a psalm of David, where he expresses his determination to trust in God and wait for His timing. In Psalms 131:1, David says he has calmed and quieted his soul, like a weaned child with its mother. He acknowledges that he is not in control and that God is the one who ordains his steps. The psalmist encourages us to hope in the Lord and to trust in His goodness, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives. This psalm is a beautiful expression of humility and trust, reminding us that our peace and contentment come from God alone.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 131 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes psalms 107-150. This book is characterized by its emphasis on God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in Him. Psalms 131 is a beautiful expression of humility and trust, reminding us that our peace and contentment come from God alone. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a reminder of God's faithfulness and goodness, as seen in Psalms 131:3, and encourages us to trust in Him, even in the midst of uncertainty and trial.

Heart Application

As we read Psalms 131, we are reminded of the importance of humility and trust in God. We can apply this to our lives by recognizing our limitations and acknowledging that God is in control. We can trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives. By doing so, we can experience the same peace and contentment that David experienced, as seen in Psalms 131:2.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 131 is a short psalm that teaches us about the importance of humility and trust in God. The psalmist expresses his decision to calm and quiet his soul, waiting for God's timing and providence. We can learn from this psalm by recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist has learned to calm and quiet his soul, and this is a lesson that we must all learn. We must learn to trust in God and wait for His timing, as seen in Psalms 131:3.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The image of the weaned child is a powerful reminder of the peace and contentment that come from trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:2.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Psalm (131:1) — The psalmist introduces the theme of humility and trust, recognizing his limitations and acknowledging that God is in control, as seen in Psalms 131:1.
2. The Image of the Weaned Child (131:2) — The psalmist uses the image of the weaned child to describe the peace and contentment that come from trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:2.
3. Encouragement to Hope in the Lord (131:3) — The psalmist encourages us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives, as seen in Psalms 131:3.
4. Conclusion (131:3) — The psalmist concludes by encouraging us to hope in the Lord and to trust in His goodness, as seen in Psalms 131:3.
5. Application to Our Lives — We can apply the lessons of Psalms 131 to our lives by recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Psalms 131 teaches us about the sovereignty of God and the importance of trusting in His goodness and providence, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3.

The Importance of Humility

The psalmist's humility is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing our limitations and trusting in God, as seen in Psalms 131:1.

The Peace that Comes from Trusting in God

The image of the weaned child is a powerful reminder of the peace and contentment that come from trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:2.

The Importance of Trusting in God's Timing

The psalmist encourages us to trust in God's timing and providence, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives, as seen in Psalms 131:3.

Lessons from Psalms 131

1. The Importance of Humility — Psalms 131 teaches us about the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations, as seen in Psalms 131:1.
2. The Peace that Comes from Trusting in God — The image of the weaned child is a powerful reminder of the peace and contentment that come from trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:2.
3. The Importance of Trusting in God's Timing — The psalmist encourages us to trust in God's timing and providence, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives, as seen in Psalms 131:3.
4. The Importance of Hope in the Lord — The psalmist encourages us to hope in the Lord and to trust in His goodness, as seen in Psalms 131:3.
5. Application to Our Lives — We can apply the lessons of Psalms 131 to our lives by recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3.

Themes from Psalms 131

1. Humility and Trust — Psalms 131 teaches us about the importance of humility and trust in God, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3.
2. The Sovereignty of God — The psalmist acknowledges that God is in control and that we must trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3.
3. The Peace that Comes from Trusting in God — The image of the weaned child is a powerful reminder of the peace and contentment that come from trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:2.
4. The Importance of Hope in the Lord — The psalmist encourages us to hope in the Lord and to trust in His goodness, as seen in Psalms 131:3.
5. Application to Our Lives — We can apply the lessons of Psalms 131 to our lives by recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to calm and quiet your soul, and how can you apply this to your life, as seen in Psalms 131:2?
2. How can you trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when you do not understand what is happening in your life, as seen in Psalms 131:3?
3. What does the image of the weaned child teach us about the peace and contentment that come from trusting in God, as seen in Psalms 131:2?
4. How can you apply the lessons of Psalms 131 to your life, and what practical steps can you take to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3?
5. What does Psalms 131 teach us about the importance of humility and trust in God, and how can you cultivate these qualities in your life, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 131

	Sermon	Description
	The Upward Pathway to Glory by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the dangers of pride, the need for unity in the church, and the ultimate goal of becoming true worshiper
	Manifest Presence of God - Part 5 by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the importance of knowing and understanding the Lord, emphasizing that God delights in those who have a humble and grateful appreciation of Him. He shar
	A Summary of the Christian Life. of Self-Denial by John Calvin	John Calvin preaches about the importance of self-denial and surrendering to God, emphasizing the need to dedicate ourselves entirely to the service of God, seeking His will and gl
	Abandonment Not a Heroic Sacrifice, but a Simple Sinking Into the Will of God. by Francois Fenelon	Francois Fenelon preaches that true abandonment to God is not about making heroic sacrifices or grand gestures, but rather a simple surrender to the will of God, accepting our weak
	Shut Up and Know by Elisabeth Elliot	Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the importance of being still before God amidst chaos and destruction, drawing inspiration from Thomas Carlyle and Psalm 46. She highlights the power of
	Waiting on the Lord, Hoping in the Lord by Bob Hoekstra	Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of waiting on the Lord and placing our hope in Him, emphasizing that waiting on the Lord is about humbly placing our hope and expectations i
	Gathered to His People by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the life and legacy of Abraham, emphasizing his profound faith and the virtues that stemmed from it, such as courage, knowledge, self-control, patience, godl
	Alexander Gordon by Alexander Whyte	Alexander Whyte preaches about the life of grace that has been passed down through generations in the Gordon family, focusing on the great spirit and inward exercise of Alexander G
	The Child-Like Spirit an Essential Condition of Entering Heaven by Charles Finney	Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of adopting a child-like spirit to enter the kingdom of heaven, as illustrated by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18:3 and Mark 10:15. He outlin
	Exposition on Psalm 132 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches about the importance of humility, meekness, and the need for sincere devotion in fulfilling vows to God. He emphasizes the significance of making room for th

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 131

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 131 emphasizes the importance of humility and trust in God. He notes that the psalmist has learned to calm and quiet his soul, and that this is a lesson that we must all learn. He encourages us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives. He also notes that the image of the weaned child is a powerful reminder of the peace and contentment that come from trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty. Overall, Henry's commentary emphasizes the practical lessons that we can learn from Psalms 131, and encourages us to apply these lessons to our lives, as seen in Psalms 131:1-3. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?