O Yahweh, my heart is not exalted, and my eyes are not raised high;

And I do not involve myself in great matters,

Or in matters too marvelous for me.

Surely I have soothed and quieted my soul,

Like a weaned child with his mother,

Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, wait for Yahweh

From now until forever.  (Psalm 131:1–3, LSB)

As I write this, I’m not thinking of anyone else or any other situation that might be brewing in the broad circles of evangelicalism. I say this, because we live in a day of “hot takes” where people write with an intention to speak into a situation. This can be good when thoughtfulness and facts are taken into consideration. All too often this is not what occurs.

I am writing for myself. Today, as I read the words of Psalm 131 in my daily Bible reading, I was struck by the humility of David, and it placed within me a longing for the same sort of child-like dependence upon our Savior.

In David’s words, I am reminded that our God hates pride. He “opposes the proud” (James 4:6; 1Pet 5:5; Prov 3:34), and yet pride is a hallmark of so many, including myself—especially of those who are placed in high positions. We can fix it. We can muscle through. If we use enough ingenuity, resources, sweat, and force we can achieve anything we put our mind to. How proud we are!

David, at least in the moments when he wrote this song, was lowly. He signals this humility with lowered eyes to match his lowered heart. Once again this leader of Israel voices a reminder of who he truly was—a small man placed in a position by the grace of God. He was not worthy of the great matters of State. He did not deserve to be drawn so close to the Living God. He was not worthy of the grace and mercy lavished upon Him. None of us are.

And yet, God continued to shower David with His goodness. David continued to be in awe. The occasion for his words are unknown, but they point to a time of turmoil. His soul needed to be soothed and quieted, like a small child who was hungering for the tender comforts of his mother’s care. The Lord supplied the soul’s peace when he needed it.

How powerless is the toddler, and yet the caring mother does not fail to provide. The child must simply wait. The lesson was for Israel, and it is for me and you as well. We are not powerful enough. We are not smart enough. We are weak, we are lowly. And yet, like a tender caring mother, our God will come and meet our need in our time of weakness. We simply must wait.