Psalm 131

Psalm 131 

This is one of the shortest Psalms in the Bible. But I really like it because it’s simple. While reading this I thought of the words of Jesus when he says, “And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7). I think sometimes we often come to God and ramble for a long time, but this Psalm reminds us that our prayers can be quick and simple, yet still powerful.

What makes this Psalm so powerful? 

It is one that prays about humility. It starts off with the Psalmist telling God that he isn’t proud or arrogant. Now, we know the story of man and know this isn’t always true of anyone at all times. VanGemeren summarizes pride powerfully: “The proud person looks, compares, competes, and is never content.” This is a Psalm that is a simple reminder that we are to live humble lives and remember who God is. I love the way it ends, “Israel, wait for the Lord, From this time on and forever.” Isn’t it our pride that makes us impatient? Don’t we often say, “I’ll just do it”’ with an impatient huff? 

We see this in the story of Abraham and Sarah with their pride and lack of waiting on God’s promise they abuse Hagar and have Ishmael. What would have happened if they just prayed this simple Psalm over themselves?

“God help me to be humble. Help me to rest as a weaned child, never guessing where my daily bread will come from. Yet, let me wait on you forever because you are my God.”

Church, are we the kind of people who trust God hears the small one-sentence prayers we say walking by in life? Are we the kind of people who can pray often and simply, trusting that even three verses can be powerful to change and transform us? The Psalmist did, he needed his God to move so that his life would be humble and patient as he waits on his God.