Sometimes it’s not so much what is said, but the tone with which it is delivered that reveals a person’s character. Throughout this election campaign, the electorate has rightly focussed both on policies and on tone in deciding who gets their vote. Conversely, political candidates have had to tread a fine line between appearing assertive not domineering; decisive, yet willing to listen to others; strong but not superior.
In the opening verse of Psalm 131, David reveals his commitment to deal with a whole gamut of human emotions. In stating that his “heart is not proud,” and his “eyes are not haughty”, David sets out an inner humility that rejects any of his human pride, arrogance, ambition, conceit and self-sufficiency. In doing so, he is clearly conscious of the human condition, our propensity to sin and more specifically, our tendency to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. David’s humility foreshadows the words of Philippians 2:6 – 8 where we are encouraged to imitate the attitude of Christ who, “…made himself nothing by taking the very natureof a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross!” There’s a challenge here for leaders in every sphere to focus not on making a name for ourselves, but instead remaining obedient to the will and purposes of the Lord.
David had a clear estimation of his own capacity, and therefore he did not aim at what was beyond his reach in terms of knowledge or capability. In verse 2 he states, “I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me;” instead he is at peace, ‘calm and quiet.’ This is the posture of a man who understands that God truly is sovereign and reigning over all. The Bible reminds us multiple times that the Lord is “sitting on His throne.” We can take great comfort in knowing that the Lord reigns and that He is not pacing up and down heaven wondering how our political situation, or any situation for that matter, resolves.
We are then presented with a beautiful picture of intimacy. David says, “I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” Despite not being dependent on his mother for milk, a weaned child chooses to remain close to her in a loving relationship. David knew how to approach the Lord with the innocence of a child, something Jesus encourages us all to do in Luke 18:17, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Psalm 131 closes with an invitation to those hearing David’s words to “put their hope in the Lord, both now and for ever.” Regardless of the outcome of the General Election, let’s decide to do exactly that!
