I Have Calmed

And Quieted My Soul

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. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time on and forevermore.

Psalm 131:1-3

Was David boasting about his humility or not? No, in response to an accusation of treason made by Saul’s men, David stated he didn’t consider himself so important nor think of himself so highly that he might have lofty eyes.

Instead, David learned to be like a “weaned child” in the Lord’s arms. Like a baby who is completely dependent on his parents, he waited on God for His protection while he was a fugitive under King Saul’s pursuit. In his darkest hour, David realized his need and then advised his people to have hope in the Lord from that time on and into the future.

The path to humility is twofold. It involves knowing who we are – having a proper self-esteem rather than thinking too highly of oneself. But most important, it requires knowing who God is – holding Him in highest esteem and trusting Him for His best in His time.

When we think we are humble – we are not.

Our Daily Bread – February 11, 2009