Psalm 131 – Lord, my heart is not proud;
my eyes are not haughty.
I don’t concern myself with matters too great
or too awesome for me to grasp.
2 Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,
like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.
Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, put your hope in the Lord—
now and always. (NLT)

Psalm 131 is one of the shortest psalms but contains a great lesson.  Some scholars believe that this psalm was written by David in defense of himself when he was accused by Saul’s generals of trying to take Saul’s crown.  Others believe this psalm was written during Jewish captivity, and that it speaks to the manner in which the Jews should behave under their oppressors.  Regardless of who wrote it, or when it was written, it speaks to us today. 

Verse one speaks of humility.  ‘My eyes are not haughty’ was a Jewish way of saying that one was not arrogant.  Christians need to be concerned with those who do not have a relationship with God through Jesus, but we win no converts with self righteousness.  We win no one to Jesus by telling them how sinful they are, but instead by showing them the nature of Jesus.  We do this by imitating Jesus.  Jesus lowered himself to be a servant, and so our nature should be that of a servant. 

Years ago, I was hunting on some land owned by a couple in my church.  I joined them that evening for dinner.  Since the day was rainy, and my boots were muddy, I removed them before I entered their house.  When the meal was over, the husband excused himself from the table and was gone for ten minutes.  He returned but made no mention of where he had been.  When I left their home that evening, I discovered that he had cleaned my boots!  Without saying a word, he showed me Jesus!  Some claim it to be St. Francis, others maintain it was someone else, but whoever it may have been, this psalm reflects the saying:  “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.”  We all can be powerful preachers by our actions.

Verse two speaks of a peaceful attitude.  When confronted with issues that can divide or cause others to become excited, we must maintain a peaceful position.  When we speak to one who questions the authority of Jesus, we must remember Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Our goal must never to be to win an argument, but instead show others the character of Jesus.

Today, let us strive to be humble and peaceful servants, so that we may show others the need to put our hope in the Lord, now and always! 

Posted by Ramón Torres