The annals of history are crowded with numerous people—known and unknown—who desired but never found peace. Like an elusive shadow, they never could quite lay hold of that which would calm their restless, fevered spirit. In Psalm 131, David gives three valuable insights into this precious, rare spiritual blessing.
Genuine peace is the fruit of humility. “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). Overestimating your importance is a surefire way to prevent peace of mind. The noxious weeds of self-importance and pride strangle the lovely, delicate plant called peace. You can either have your pride or peace; you cannot have both.
Genuine peace is the byproduct of maturity. “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me” (v. 2). Once the soil of your heart has gotten rid of an over inflated sense of self-importance, you can mature to the point of realizing that God’s sovereignty rules this universe; thus, you are ready to trust God’s providence when life becomes difficult. You do not have to personally sort everything out because you know that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Like the apostle Paul, you have matured to the point of learning that fairy tale endings to each of life’s challenges is neither realistic nor necessary because God’s grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Genuine peace is the companion of hope. “O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever” (v. 3). Confidence in God’s sovereignty, providence, and grace produces a hope which is both sure and steadfast, an anchor of the soul during the storms and trials of life (Hebrews 6:19).
No wonder David calls upon all “from this time forth and forever” to join him in the path of peace!
