A Much Different Perspective

A few days ago, I posted a blog titled “David’s Torment” which focused on King David’s acute anguish and pain, as outlined in Psalm 69.

On the other end of the spectrum is Psalm 131, a brief 3-verse missive which shows the king restful and at peace. He doesn’t wax poetic, nor does he pour out his soul. Rather, this tranquil reflection is soothing and thoughtful, an ode to quiet acceptance.

We don’t know the circumstances under which David wrote Psalm 131, but I’m speculating it came later in the monarch’s life; a time when he could look back at all the turmoil of his topsy-turvy existence and praise God for it – both the good and the bad.

Though seemingly simple, David’s contemplations are filled with wisdom and encouragement, speaking to us 3,000 years later.

Let’s look at Psalm 31’s 3 verses.

LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me (verse 1).

Unlike self-seekers who crave fame, here David is saying, “No, Lord, such things don’t concern me. I am humble before You.”

There may have been a time in David’s youth when he sought glory, but his near-fatal trials have driven all such ambition from him. David has learned humility the hard way, and is perfectly content in it.

We’re not sure what “great matters” and “difficult” things David was speaking of, but probably not politics or governing – as that was his job. Rather, these “great matters” may refer to the things his son Solomon would go on to ponder: the great issues of life.

Whereas Solomon examined such topics as good and evil and questions of faith, David was not prone to such musing. He wasn’t a know-it-all, and was humble enough to say, “Regarding such things, I just don’t know.”

David was content to simply trust in the Lord and leave the deep matters to others.

I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child resting against his mother, my soul within me is like a weaned child (verse 2).

Just as a toddler is content to be in the presence of his mother, so David is equally satisfied to be in the presence of God.

Throughout the decades of his great suffering, David had seen the Lord rescue him from every foe and preserve his life from every threat.

God had given David the desires of his heart and provided for all his needs, and David is both aware of and grateful for it. And though more trials awaited, David could rest in the peace of knowing that just as God had always taken care of him, He would continue to do so.

How richly this speaks to you and me. Many of us have been, are in, and will be “through the ringer,” but we have seen God walk us through every hardship, and know He will continue to.

He did so for David; he does – and will – do so for us!

Israel, wait for the LORD from this time on and forever (verse 3).

This is a reminder that no matter how bad things are, there is still a world outside our own inner world. There are those – whether nearby or on the other side of the globe – who are suffering and needy.

There is much to be prayed for, and we must be diligent in getting outside of ourselves and mediating for others.

Verse 3 also speaks of sharing with others the lessons we have learned. David had come to a peaceful and humble position in life, and he desired his fellow Israelites do the same.

You and I have come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are to share this glorious knowledge with others. Furthermore, if we have come to a place of peace as David had, we are to tell the suffering people in our lives how they too can get there.

Weaned Children

Psalm 131 is an ode to peace, humility, and contentment which speaks just as hopefully to us today as it did 3 centuries ago. And how we need it!

In times of trial, let’s take a step back, read this Psalm, and strive to do what it says. In the midst of the torment, let’s ask God to soothe and quiet our souls, allowing us to cast off our burdens and simply rest in His loving and encompassing arms.

Though we age, let us always be as weaned children – restful and at peace – before our loving and comforting God!

David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since.David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website. 

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