This is one of the shortest and simplest psalms. Yet, it is a deep and profound challenge for our heart as we seek to be humble and thankful servants of the Lord.

A Humble Heart - Psalm 131:1
Remember, a King wrote this psalm! Below is a list of Kings. See how they could exalt themselves above men and God. Compare David's attitude in Psalm 139 (note Psalm 139:1-6) cp. Romans 11:33-36; Isaiah 55:6-9. Consider David's attitude while you read James 1:2-12; 2:1-9; 3:1-2, 13-18; 4:6-17; 5:13-20.

A Hushed Heart - Psalm 131:2
"…Behaved and quieted myself..." - To quiet the heart we must monitor and control all of our behavior. Our activities create an environment that either promotes or detracts from our devotion to God (Proverbs 4:23-27; Psalm 119:59; Hosea 4:11; Philippians 4:9). Our thought life is crucial to a quiet heart (Psalm 46:10 - "be still and know…" cp. Philippians 4:6-8). Consider four areas of loving God: Heart (Affections & Desires), Soul (Emotion and Will), Strength (behavior of physical self) and Mind (Knowledge acquired / applied and thought life). See Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 6-9; Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 12:1-2. The weaned child learns patience. They can control their urges and wait to be fed and cared for. There is only one baby-like behavior that God encourages (I Peter 2:1-3).

A Hopeful Heart - Psalm 131:3
Investment (dedication & discipline) produces expectation (hope of rewards and benefits)! See Romans 5:1-5; I Corinthians 15:51-58; Galatians 6:7-10; II Peter 1:2-11. When feeling down-cast, do a self-diagnostic in the Scriptures (Psalm 32:1-11; 42:1-11; 116:1-19). As a hungry child might crave candy, but their need is for nourishing food; so, our hearts and souls crave many worldly things, but the real need is God. Let us learn to be only satisfied by God (Psalm 33:18-22; 63:1-11; 130:1-8).

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Kings who tried to touch God's glory:
Satan was the first to try and replace God (Isaiah 14:12-17). He is the model and the force behind all other bad leaders / governments (Ephesians 6:12; John 8:44). Consider the following kings. Note their various forms of pride, rebellion, and irreverent, cruel desire for power & praise (Psalm 2:1-12).

• Nimrod / Tower of Babel (Genesis 10:8-9; 11:1-9)
• Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-18. See Exodus 5:19 - 15:21; Psalm 136:10-15)
• Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:27-37 cp. 2:20-22. See Revelation 4:11)
• Saul (I Samuel 15 cp. David - Acts 13:21-22; I Kings 15:1-5)
• Uzziah (II Chronicles 26:1-5,11-21. See Isaiah 6:1-5.)
• The Antichrist (Daniel 7:25 cp. Revelation 13:1-8).