Psalms 131

Psalms 131THEME: Childlike faith and simplicity of the pilgrimThis is another pilgrim psalm, a brief but very precious one. Notice that it is written by David.

Psalms 131:1

Do you remember Michal who was David’s wife and Saul’s daughter? She despised David and mocked him because of the way he took the ark into the tabernacle (2Sa_6:12-23). David told his wife that he would probably be even more contemptible in her eyes, because he was going to humble himself even more and get down in the dust before his God. Remember, he was king. We need to get down before our God today. When was the last time you got down on all fours before God? Very few of us practice that. It is the best exercise there is. It certainly will help you spiritually, and it may help you physically.

Psalms 131:2

Let me quote Dr. Gaebelein’s comment on this beautiful psalm: “Here we find the description of an humble, a broken and contrite spirit. It has well been said, “All virtues together are a body of which humility is the head.’ How many Scriptures teach the great importance and value of such true humility” (The Book of Psalms, p. 462). Then he cites several references in Scripture: “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off” (Psa_138:6). “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isa_57:15). “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1Pe_5:5). “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1Pe_3:4). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (Jas_4:10). And the Lord Jesus Himself said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest [literally, I will rest you]” (Mat_11:28). The figure of a weaned child is very interesting. Dr. Gaebelein comments, “As the weaned child no longer cries, and frets, and longs for the mother’s breast, but rests still and is contented, because the child knows it is with its mother; so the soul is weaned from all discontentment, ambitiousness and self-seeking, or any kind of selfishness, waiting on the Lord, finding rest and contentment only in Him” (ibid., p. 463).