Humble resignation to the will of God and a willing spirit that desires to follow divine direction are examples of a person who knows and practices self-discipline. In this song, David exhibits quiet composure that expresses humility with a unique beauty. There are no great expressions of deep-seated guilt or evidence of a desire to make sure his humility is noticed. The pilgrim is no longer like a fretful child, but in “quietness and confidence,” he rests in humility and hope.
To struggle after something, or because of things that happen that are out of our control, is wearying to the soul and spirit. Pride, presumption, power, prosperity, and pleasure drain away like stale water when our hope is in the Lord. He is the refreshing “water of life.” From the wellspring of His eternal nature comes more abundant life.
Being free of pride and ambition is not only liberating; it calms the spirit, composes the soul, and brings childlike faith, bringing rest and great relief. A child knows where to find safety, peace, and contentment. Humility, a broken and contrite spirit, and gratitude are all evidence of one who appreciates the grace of God and the rest that faith in Him brings. How blessed it is to be contented.
There will always be unanswered questions in life. So why should we be agitated about things that are too great and marvelous to understand? We can rest in the Lord and leave all the unknowns to Him, who is omniscient. In His sovereign will, things He wants us to know will be made available to seek and find when the Holy Spirit directs us. Pride in thinking we have all the answers alienates us from God. It comes from having an overly high estimation of ourselves and an overly low estimation of others. Dissatisfied people want attention directed toward themselves, and their concern about others usually comes from a self- directed motive. The Lord who “dwells in the high and holy place” will also dwell “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.”
A desire for the future of the nation of Israel moved the psalmist to challenge other pilgrims to “hope in the Lord.” A day of peace will come for Israel. We can quickly become frustrated when we insist on delving into things too high for us. At the same time, it is suitable for us to exercise our intellectual abilities to the greatest extent as long as they are directed down useful paths of inquiry that can result in glory for God and blessing for others. The all-knowing God is our Father, so what we do not understand or need to know is best left to Him and untouched by our limited ability and curiosity.
Inner peace can be ours now. That peace comes from trusting God and resting in faith in Him, not from having answers to all our questions. Let humility and trust give us the right perspective about life, and let that motivate our service to the Lord. When we are willing to serve the Lord with our whole heart and soul, He grants us His strength and the freedom we need to accomplish His will and enjoy ourselves when we do.
PSALM 131 A SONG OF TRUST v.1-2. A Humble Spirit. “Lord, my heart is not haughty…” v.3. A Desire for the Future. “Let Israel hope in the Lord…”