David, whatever else he accomplished, was a worshiper. Here he gives us three keys to worship.
We have come to Psalm 131, the third of four Songs of Ascent attributed to David. It presents to us three essential elements for those coming to worship the Lord, at Jerusalem or anywhere else. First, as they were going up the ascent of Moriah, they should be going down in their own estimation. It was GOD they were going to meet! Thus David writes, “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” (v 1). How beneficial it is to humble ourselves under God’s hand (see 1 Pet 5:6), just as our Lord “humbled Himself” (Php 2:8). It’s a solemn matter when God has to humble us. If we feel pride rising up in us, the Lord Jesus offers private tutoring. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29, BSB). As pride chokes humility, so humility slays pride. Pride is the root of every sin. Humility, as seen in the Incarnation, is the secret door to every blessing from God. Of course, humility isn’t running oneself down. Jesus didn’t do that. Instead, His sole desire was to glorify the Father in everything. But you’ll notice the second characteristic of a worshiper is linked to the first. The Lord said humility will cause you to “find rest for your souls.” This is David’s next step. “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Ps 131:2). Meditation, contemplation, adoration—all must be thoughtful, requiring stillness in the soul. And the third clue from the man after God’s heart? It’s hope, the present enjoyment of our heavenly realities. “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever” (v 3).