Satisfaction Found

Read Psalm 131.

From the slaying of Goliath to his national leadership, King David is well-known for his great victories.  Such a track record can wrongly feed a man's ego.  Many feel they must pursue big goals to achieve a sense of self-worth.  Driven by selfish ambition, life becomes a competitive game to win over others.  But not so with David.

The "man after God's own heart" set as his goal to conduct himself in a humble manner.  First, as a young man, he learned to be a good shepherd and serve the needs of his sheep.  He transferred those same skills to leading Israel's army and ultimately the nation.  In this brief song, he addressed some of his innermost feelings.

1. The Absence of Pride. (v.1)
David performed a spiritual EKG.  His heart showed an absence of ego-mania.  He was not driven by selfish ambition.  Next came the eye examination.  His vision and what he longed to accomplish was not the impossible dream.  He knew his limitations.  He recognized his giftedness and the opportunities God had given to him.  A servant's heart and a commitment to faithfulness will guard us against sinful pride.

2. The Presence of Peace. (v.2)
An infant is the picture of total dependence and selfishness.  The baby does not care what time it is or the feelings of anyone around them.  When they have a need they let it be known immediately and loudly.  There is no patience in them.  They want what they want and they want it now.  But as one matures, there is a growing ability to care for one's basic needs.  A transition takes place from looking to mother for nursing to seeking her for comfort.  David said that he had disciplined himself to calm down and quiet his soul.  How the LORD loves for us to run to Him for such quiet comfort and inner peace.
"You will keep him in perfect peace who mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3)

3. The Essence of the Promise. (v.3)
To give up one's pride and selfishness means a surrender to something or someone else.  To discover peace in a time of upheaval and great need means there must be something or someone who is trustworthy and transcends all the world around us.  David openly declared that his hope was in the LORD.  He called upon his nation to place their hope in the LORD and experience the satisfaction found only in Him.