Psalm 131

Put Your Hope In The Lord

What strikes me most about this psalm authored by David is how intensely personal it is.  David comes before God and proclaims his humility before God, and to demonstrate that humility, he explains how content he is just living in God's comforting embrace.  Of course, real life is never that simple; It wasn't for David, and it isn't for us today.  David may have been content just living a Godly life, but God chose him to rule a kingdom and lead armies.  God chooses us to do other things as well, and while we would always like to dedicate our lives to a relationship with God, a million little things always seem to get in the way.  David seems to recognize this, and takes a moment in his busy life to humble himself and thank God.

Verse 2 has some interesting language as well, as David describes God in a very feminine matter.  We're accustomed to the notion of "God the Father", but here it almost sounds like "God the Mother".  When describing the relationship between God and himself, he refers to himself as a weaning infant with his mother.  When a child is weaned, they gradually stop depending on their mother's milk to sustain them entirely, and still require it occasionally.  Perhaps David feels like God has sent him into the world to fend for himself.  However, if he finds himself wanting, he can still rely on him "mother" to provide for him.  He need not worry, because the mother will keep him content.  He can remain calm because he knows God will provide all of his needs.

David tells us he does not "concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me".  Honestly, I found this very confusing.  Is this a declaration of humility before God?  I think it could be.  After all, he declares his humility, as he was just a shepherd who didn't aspire to power, but was chosen by God to lead His people.  Was David telling us that he didn't aspire to the throne, but he'll accept it because it was God's command?  Perhaps.

I think David could also tell us that he is accepting God's command, but he's doing it reluctantly.  After all, many psalms of David as full of lament.  He constantly tells us of the danger and wickedness around him, and being the King puts that bulls-eye on his back.  That's certainly something I can relate with.    David, a righteous man who is beloved by God, even has his concerns about God's plan for him.  Who among us can say that they have felt the same way?  That they want to obey God, but God might give them more than they think they can handle.

Still, above all things, David obeys God.  He accepts the burdens, and then looks to God for help.  When we too, humble ourselves to God, we can share in His comfort.  God's love is like a mother's love; it calms us and makes us content.  Now and forevermore.

1 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.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
    both now and forevermore.