Saturday, September 17, 2016
Psalm 131:2-3 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, ope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.
LORD, TEACH ME TO BE CONTENT
In this psalm, penned by King David, the virtue of Christian contentment is extolled. The illustration of a young child, lying quietly on its mother's lap, content with the fact that its mother is "right there," is used to portray children of God who find satisfaction in Him. Children of God have every reason to be content because they know God has promised to give them everything they need. Everything they need for the welfare of their bodies and souls in the "here." Everything they need for eternal life in the "hereafter."
Why did the pilgrims traveling up to Jerusalem need this reminder? God's prophets had promised them great things upon their return to Canaan from Babylon (the restoration of their land and nation and temple). When these promises weren't fulfilled immediately they were tempted to become discontented, even discouraged. As the returned exiles sang this song on their way up to Zion they would have been reminded and encouraged (by the pious example of their forefather David who wrote this psalm) to wait patiently for the fulfillment of God's words.
Sometimes we too are tempted to become discontented and dissatisfied with the Lord's timetable in His dealings with us. When He delays to answer prayer; when we're called on to endure a difficult trial and we can't see the good in it; when things aren't going in our life the way we would like them to, then let's listen to the advice this psalm offers us: "Commend your life into the hands of the Lord who knows what is best for His children, and be content." "O Israel, hope in the Lord, from this time forth and forever."
