O LORD, My Heart Is Not Lifted Up
Devotional
Companion to the Psalter
A Devotional Guide to the Psalms
Object:
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up ...
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul.
-- Psalm 131:1a, 1c-2a
Theme: The calmed and quieted soul
Outline
1 -- I have renounced haughtiness and ambitious schemes (with their attendant storms of passion) and chosen patient, quiet trust in the LORD.
2 -- I have found peace and security, like a humble child in its mother's arms, weaned and contented.
3 -- Let Israel so hope in the LORD.
Notes
• Affirmation of Faith
• One of the Song of Ascents (Psalms 120-134).
• In the return and restoration period, the great triumphs for Israel promised by the prophets had been interpreted in a high and grandiose way. Now they have a humility born out of penitence.
• A follow-up of Psalm 130. They had to unload ambitions, dreams, and in their lowly position accept small blessings. To their surprise the ensuing peace was truly marvelous.
For Reflection
• The psalmist found a formula for serenity and for relief from possibly neurotic ambition. If we translate his statements into today's tensions, which we feel about ourselves, our lives, and about God, we may see our way to relief and serenity.
a. Accept our limitations (like Paul suggested in Philippians 2:3-4).
b. Dethrone pride and humble ourselves (Philippians 2:5-11).
c. Put our hope (goal) in the Lord (Philippians 4:4-7).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you call to us weary and heavy-laden people to come to you and learn of you, who are gentle and humble of heart. Like a calmed and quieted child in a loving mother's arms, may we find renewing rest in you, bearing your mild yoke. Amen.
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul.
-- Psalm 131:1a, 1c-2a
Theme: The calmed and quieted soul
Outline
1 -- I have renounced haughtiness and ambitious schemes (with their attendant storms of passion) and chosen patient, quiet trust in the LORD.
2 -- I have found peace and security, like a humble child in its mother's arms, weaned and contented.
3 -- Let Israel so hope in the LORD.
Notes
• Affirmation of Faith
• One of the Song of Ascents (Psalms 120-134).
• In the return and restoration period, the great triumphs for Israel promised by the prophets had been interpreted in a high and grandiose way. Now they have a humility born out of penitence.
• A follow-up of Psalm 130. They had to unload ambitions, dreams, and in their lowly position accept small blessings. To their surprise the ensuing peace was truly marvelous.
For Reflection
• The psalmist found a formula for serenity and for relief from possibly neurotic ambition. If we translate his statements into today's tensions, which we feel about ourselves, our lives, and about God, we may see our way to relief and serenity.
a. Accept our limitations (like Paul suggested in Philippians 2:3-4).
b. Dethrone pride and humble ourselves (Philippians 2:5-11).
c. Put our hope (goal) in the Lord (Philippians 4:4-7).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you call to us weary and heavy-laden people to come to you and learn of you, who are gentle and humble of heart. Like a calmed and quieted child in a loving mother's arms, may we find renewing rest in you, bearing your mild yoke. Amen.
