Psalm 131
Introduction:
This
is one of the shortest of psalms. It is very inspiring
and very touching! It is an expression of what a
childlike faith in God really is, the spirit Jesus tells
about in Matthew 18:3. “and said, Assuredly, I say to
you, unless you are converted and become as little
children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of
heaven.” NKJV
Body:
I.
Is
Humble
(Verse 1) “Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my
eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great
matters, Nor with things too profound for me.”
NKJV
·
You must empty your heart of all pride.
(Proverbs 30:12-13) “There is a generation that is pure
in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
There is a generation – oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.” NKJV
(Psalm
18:27) “For You will save the humble people, But will
bring down haughty looks.” NKJV
Arrogance and conceit must be removed in order to lead
to self righteousness. Instead of trusting in God,
they trust in themselves. (Luke 18:9-14) One does not
seek elevated places to satisfy self-esteem or does not
chase stardom. (Romans 12:16) “Be of the same
mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high
things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise
in your own opinion.” NKJV
·
The one who trusts in God sets his eyes on things
above. (Colossians 3:1-2) “If then you were raised
with Christ, seek those things which are above, where
Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your
mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
NKJV
One is not overly concerned with acquiring wealth, but
trusts in God to supply his needs. (Matthew 6:33)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things shall be added to
you.” NKJV
Do
not be concerned with worldly glory; do not be boastful
of the past.
II.
Is at
Peace
(Verse 2) “Surely I have calmed and quieted my
soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned
child is my soul within me.” NKJV
·
“Behaved” – KJV “Calmed” – NKJV
Calmed meant leveled as one would level a field. There
is no internal strife or turmoil. As a small child is
at peace when by its mother, so is a child of God when
with his Father. A childlike spirit must keep our minds
focused on Jehovah. (Isaiah 26:1-6)
·
Jesus is our peace. (John 16:33) “These
things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be
of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJV
·
Tranquil (Psalm 107:28-30) “Then they cry
out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out
of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its
waves are still. Then they are glad because they are
quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.”
NKJV
·
Be weaned from worldly desires; have no fretting
about worldly things.
III.
Is
Filled with Hope
(Verse 3) “O Israel, hope in the Lord From this
time forth and forever.” NKJV
·
The
one who trusts in the Lord is forever hopeful because of
God’s mercy. (Psalm 130:7-8) “O Israel hope in
the Lord; For with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him
is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel From
all his iniquities.” NKJV
·
For us today, Christ is our hope. (I Peter
1:3-4) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten
us again to a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away,
reserved in heaven for you,” NKJV
Invitation:
Trust
is a key to that inheritance. Trust God and His
promises.
Bobby
Stafford
January 18, 2015
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