Back to Grace
There is much simplicity, sincerity, and nobility in childlike faith. Our TV-saturated and digital culture elevates “me” above every other value. The attitude expressed in this psalm is counter-cultural, as is the disposition of Christ. Singing doctrine such as these truths redirects our hearts into godly living.
Main Points: The Disposition of our Conversion (verses 1-2). What we no longer are or want to be: proud, arrogant, or ambitious. We all struggle with these vices, and the battle never ends, but no Christian should be known for pride, haughtiness, or ambition. Only God’s grace can transform us, changing our sinful tendencies into humility. Pride is self-sufficiency and individuality that is not Christian. Arrogance is an expression of pride, looking down on others. Ambition is pursuing what goes beyond God’s will for you at this time, “aspiration gone crazy.” Christians should look with sad pity on the unsaved and with admiration, regard, and respect on the saved, as those redeemed by the Lord and “little Christs.” It makes God most sad to see His children scoffing and jeering at pagans. When we walk with God, our desires will be in tune with His will, and our activities will not make obedience to God expendable. God’s will is never mystical because it is recorded in His Word. We cannot stop worshipping because we suffer from our own ambition that has taken us to a difficult place.
The Position of our Conversion (verse 3). David moves from an individual focus to exhorting the nation. We should declare our journey to others and invite them to come join us. Being humble, obedient to God’s Word, and trusting in the Lord is a wonderful path to walk! He’s that good, capable, powerful, and loving!
Application Points We can find a lot to apply in these three short verses. How does your disposition line up with David’s?
Are you known for being proud, arrogant, or ambitious? Do you long to be seen and exalted? How do you look at others, whether they are saved or unsaved?
Is there any place in your life where you are pursuing something that goes beyond God’s will for you right now? Think about relationships that may be drawing you away from obedience to Scripture, decisions where you are ignoring biblical counsel.
Are you simply dependent on God like a little child? How is this shown in your lifestyle? Do you worship God by honoring and trusting Him with your finances?
Do you love God for God Himself or for what you can get from God, or what you feel God owes you? How can you learn to love God for Himself?
Do you share your faith journey with others? To whom can you testify of God’s goodness and invite to join you?
Tools for Further Study Cross References to Explore: Matthew 18:1-4 – the humble faith of a child is the greatest in God’s kingdom. Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 4:10, 1 Peter 5:5, Matthew 11:28-29 – combating pride. Psalm 121 – the Christian’s upward look. Isaiah 49:15, 66:13 – dependence on God. Proverbs 13:15 – the way of the transgressor is hard.
A Hymn to Encourage: “Like a River Glorious” by Frances Havergal
Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace, Over all victorious in its bright increase. Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day, Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, Never foe can follow, never traitor stand. Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above, Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love. We may trust Him fully all for us to do; They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
A Quote to Ponder: “Before David was weaned, he wanted God only for what he could get from God. After he was weaned, having learned that God loved him and would care for him, even if it was not exactly the way he anticipated or most wanted, he came to love God for God himself, and that was a better and much more mature relationship.”