8. Prayer of a Humbled Heart
Hymns: RHC 445 O Master Let Me Walk with Thee, 106 Christ Liveth In Me, 242 Blessed Quietness
PSALM 131
1 A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. 2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul iseven as a weaned child. 3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever. Psalm 131:1-3 (KJV)
PRAYER OF A HUMBLED HEART
OUTLINE
(1) Not presumptuous (v1)
(2) But contented (v2)
(3) Always confident in God (v3)
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 131 is a portrait of Christ-likeness, of true godliness, the quintessence of a humble heart – meek and lowly. It is not self justifying but a sober assessment. Is this your disposition before God?
It is a psalm of David, of the pen of David. This is the 3rdafter 122 and 124. There is a 4thby David in psalm 133.
(1) Not presumptuous (v1)
1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
The psalmist came before his LORD in self-examination, self-reflection giving a sober assessment of his life. He concluded that he has humbled himself before God and men. The apostle Paul, also made such a self-assessment and recommend that we do examine our hearts soberly – Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himselfmore highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
He observed his own heart and he assessed his own outward demeanour. We too, need to be constantly looking at ourselves. By what we think, we are. By what we do, we reap.
(2) But contented (v2)
2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
The relationship between God and His children is portrayed as a mother and her children. The Apostle Paul uses the same image when he related himself to disciples in Thessalonica emphasizing the mother’s nurturing care for her little children – 1 Thessalonians 2:7 “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.”
The cultivated soul resting in the LORD is quiet before Him whatever the outward circumstances in life. The image of the restful spirit of the child of God trusting in Him is portrayed as a weaned child.
The weaned child is contented not to receive milk from its mother, “as a child that is weaned of his mother”, able to rest in the Lord’s arms without agitation. It is a description of the failure of earthly comforts and comforters to provide lasting succor points to the a need for comfort that only God can satisfy. [Dictionary of Biblical Images]
Moses enjoyed the comforts of his mother’s care in his early years and grounded and founded him as a child of Israel for life. Samuel came as a answer to Hannah’s prayer. When he was weaned, he was brought to the Temple to be dedicated for God’s use as His prophet.
When is the right time to wean in modern terms? In 2003 the Department of Health issued guidelines (based on recommendations by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF) that weaning should start at 6 months.
It is now thought that, in general, babies under 6 months have kidneys and guts that are not mature enough to cope with a more diverse diet and that early weaning can increase the risk of infections and the development of allergies like eczema and asthma. Babies born pre-term (before 37 weeks of gestation) may not quite be ready to wean at 6 months and therefore it may be best to speak with a health visitor before solid foods are introduced.[1]
(3) Always confident in God (v3)
3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.
Our Lord who walked with a heart of compassion for the lost, preaching and teaching and healing the people was persecuted – Matthew 9:34 “But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.”
Jesus encouraged His disciples in Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
Jesus went about doing the Father’s will, preaching, teaching and healing, ushering souls to His Father’s kingdom. He went to the cross. Remember when he was in Gethsemane, the distress was so great he dropped as it were sweat as blood. He prayed, the angel came to strengthen Him and as He was prepared for the slaughter.
Jesus was crucified and died. He was buried and three days later, the sealed tomb was empty. He resurrected from the dead giving everlasting life to all who will come to Him, giving victory to all who will follow Him and His example – John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
CONCLUSION
May the LORD help us to walk humbly and soberly with Him, preparing our hearts and our families to meet our God as we await His soon coming.
[1]http://www.netmums.com/family-food/weaning-guide/weaning-when-is-the-right-time-to-wean