Learning Psalm 131

by Tamar SC · August 25, 2017

Psalm 131 is “one of the shortest psalms to read but one of the longest psalms to learn”. It’s a lone prayer – a private prayer to God which expresses trust and a childlike dependence on God.

The first verse deals with three areas of pride – the heart, the eyes and the actions. David brings his heart before the Lord knowing he cannot hide anything from him.

It is a humble appeal for God’s grace to save us from pride. It’s a beautiful thing to walk humbly with our God, accepting that we cannot control all things in our lives.

The second verse compares perfect contentment and confidence in God with a weaned child, who previously fretful, has now found peace and solace with its mother.

The third verse moves from a private prayer to a public one, where David beseeches Israel (that’s the Church of today) to hope in the Lord now and forevermore.

Psalm 131

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
    my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
    too great and too marvelous for me.
²But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
    like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child is my soul within me.