O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.1
Through observation as we decipher the verse, noticeably the Psalter is somewhat downcast. Yet he masters the courage to choose and to will his soul to calm and quiet down, like a weaned child with his mother. In a similar conversation, the Psalter said to his soul, Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?2 How is this possible for someone troubled to command his soul to do otherwise? Remember and hope! Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you.3
I can so relate, having developed the habit of reading and chewing on God’s word daily, I have had the opportunity to mark all the verses, at least, in Psalms that read “steadfast love,” and recall God’s love, goodness, and faithfulness through the verses every time I have bouts of ‘blah’ moments. After, I get up and am ready to face the giants out there, all buoyed up knowing that God is good; his steadfast love endures forever. Here are some of the verses interpreted or quoted [read the notes]:
Understanding that by grace I am saved, I am able to trust in his steadfast love and rejoice.4 Because Jesus has imputed his righteousness upon me, I am redeemed.5 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.6 In my desire to know him more, I diligently study Scripture (he has revealed enough for us to know him; again, may I encourage you to read a chapter a day at least)—thus, I can expect his continuous and steadfast love.7 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.8
My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.9 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.10 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.11
He is a covenant keeping God; thus, I can rely on his steadfast love.12 I recall, whenever my foot slips, Father, you held me up.13 I remember the wondrous and numerous works you have done—For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.14 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!15
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.16 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.17
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.18 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Psalm 131:1-2
2. Psalm 42:5
3. Psalm 42:5b-6
4. Psalm 13:5-6
5. Psalm 44:26
6. Psalm 103:11-12
7. Psalm 36:10
8. Psalm 52: 8-9
9. Psalm 59:10
10. Psalm 63:3
11. Psalm 89:1
12. Psalm 89:28
13. Psalm 94:18
14. Psalm 100:5
15. Psalm 107:1
16. Psalm 138:2
17. Psalm 138:8
18. Psalm 143:8
