Read Psalm 131:1-3 1O 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. 2But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.
When asked “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom?” Jesus’ answer was to call a little child to himself, set them in the middle of the crowd, and declare that of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. The least is the greatest in God’s economy. The last, first. The weak, strong.
King David has learned the dangers of pride and arrogance. He refuses to let his heart be lifted up beyond his station. Even as king he is servant. Even as the greatest in Israel, he knows there are subjects too marvelous even for him. Yes, he learned these lessons the hard way. But his own sinful pride has brought him low once again. Down to the place of the weaned child. The weaned child has learned to be quietly satisfied, no longer crying for its mother’s breast.
The quiet soul is content. Not self-seeking. No longer chasing glory. The quiet soul is at peace. Rested in its position in Christ. The quiet soul has set aside its own agenda and seeks not its own way. The quiet soul can do all things through Christ. Abounding or abasement. High or low. Rich or poor. Living and dying.
To live is Christ is to progressively wean your soul off of the self-satisfaction of pride and arrogance and to be satisfied in Jesus’ love alone, whatever the situation surrounding us may be.
Prayer. Jesus, quiet my soul today with your truth and grace. Keep me from things too great for me. Keep me in my place. Amen.
To Live is Christ 