Psalm 131

A Cry of Humility

A Song of Ascents. By David.

1 YHWH, my heart isn't haughty, nor my eyes lofty;
nor do I concern myself with great matters,
or things too wonderful for me.
2 Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with his mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 Israel, hope in YHWH,
from this time forth and forevermore.

World English Bible

When have you seen a recent act of humility? What makes that act unique?

Psalm 131 is a personal cry of humility. The reader approached God and declared he was a simple man, neither proud nor haughty. It ended with admonition for communal hope in the Lord.

Some scholars have speculated that, if this psalm had a liturgical function, it acted as preparation for the celebrating priest before he entered the sanctuary. Just as likely, the psalm was a personal prayer by a influential individual or monarch.

Nonetheless, this psalm reminds us humility is an important key in Christian life. We are to approach God with a humble heart.

Humility is knowing one's place before God. How do you prepare yourself to enter into the presence of God? What is your spirit of prayer?