Psalm 131 — Contentment — Aneel Aranha

My heart is not proud, LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

This is a short psalm but is a profound meditation on humility and trust in God. The psalmist writes, "My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me" (Psalm 131:1). Since the psalmist is David, who was involved in numerous significant and complex matters, particularly during his reign as king, is this an honest declaration?

Well, David could have written this psalm later in his life when he had attained the more mature perspective that often comes with age and experience. It might express the spiritual and emotional peace he has achieved through years of walking with God. 

Alternatively, it could also reflect a moment in David's life where he experienced a deep sense of contentment in God. This isn't necessarily tied to his older age. Even in his early years, when David was a king dealing with "great matters," he relied on God and understood his dependence on him.

He expresses this reliance by comparing himself to a weaned child with his mother. Unlike a nursing infant, a weaned child no longer depends on its mother for sustenance, constantly crying for milk. Nonetheless, the child continues to trust in the mother's care, finding comfort and contentment in her presence without demanding immediate fulfillment of needs.

In today's world, self-reliance is promoted, and ambition is celebrated. We're encouraged to aim high, to strive for greatness, to never settle. And while there's nothing inherently wrong with this, Psalm 131 offers a counter-narrative. It speaks of the beauty of contentment, of recognizing one's limitations, and of resting in the assurance of God's care.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:11-2). For Paul, this contentment wasn't rooted in his own abilities or achievements but in his relationship with Christ: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

Let us be able to declare the same.

God bless you.