King David Playing the Harp by Gerard van Honthorst (1622)
(Psalm 131, personalized)
“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty” (v. 1a).
O God, King David’s firm assertion that no pride lurks in his heart stirs up envy within me. I wish I could say no pride ever lurks in my heart.
Pride is such an ugly attribute. Just like mold on bread causes ruin, pride causes ruin in me.
A bent toward self-aggrandizing—even in my thoughts—spoils my connection with You, Father, as much as pridefully choosing to do things my way instead of Your way. And when my feelings are bruised by the words and actions of others? It’s really pride masquerading as “hurt.”
I’d like to say with King David, “I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance” (v. 1 GNT), but the mold of pride still forms in my spirit from time to time.
I ask Your help, O God, to help me cut it off the moment it begins to appear. Remind me that apart from You I am nothing and can do nothing (1).
“I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me” (v. 1b).
David also asserts he doesn’t concern himself with matters outside his control or things too profound for him and beyond his understanding.
In years past and much too often I allowed my mind to circle around distressing situations and worrisome what-ifs, even though such thinking accomplishes nothing.
You’ve taught me, Lord, (and continue to give me opportunities for practice!), to affirm what I know about You and Your ways instead of fretting, including such encouraging passages as Psalm 145:8-9:
“But I have calmed and quieted myself” (v. 2a).
You are the Almighty Sovereign One, the only wise God, my faithful and loving Father. How silly I am not to rest—every moment–in Your power and peace.
David states matter-of-factly he’s calmed and quieted his soul. Since his days as a shepherd boy he’d been one to affirm what he knew to be true about You. Psalm 23 is one eloquent example.
But David also prayed concerning his needs, trusting that You’d provide:
Thank You, Father, for teaching me the power of prayer and praise to quiet my soul. I have only to present my requests before You—with thanksgiving—to experience your peace [2].
“I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content” (v. 2b).
In fact, the calm and quiet of Your peace is like that of a weaned child, contentedly nestled on his mother’s lap [3]—no longer demanding immediate gratification.
What a sweet image of the rest I can experience in the assurance of Your provision, in Your time, while reveling in the closeness and companionship in Your presence.
I know Your goal for me is emotional and spiritual maturity. You sometimes choose to wean me away from good things, to bring me to better things. Help me to remember: painful losses can give way to wonderful gains [4].
“Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore” (v. 3).
And so, Father, I put my hope in You, now and forevermore. This is not wishful thinking but confident expectation based on the perfections of Your character. My hope is strengthened by Your glorious promises, including Your assurance never to leave me or forsake me.
I can joyfully anticipate what You will do in the future, knowing You have my best interest at heart. This day and every day I place my trust in You afresh, my good and gracious God!
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[1] 1 Corinthians 1:27-31; John 15:5
]2] Philippians 4:6-7
[3] Psalm 131:2
[4] Warren Wiersbe, Be Exultant, 174.
Image credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; www. canva.com (2); http://www.wikimedia.org.
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