THINGS TOO HIGH FOR ME

"LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me."  (Psalm 131:1)

Faith enables the individual to speak candidly and without guile to the Father–in fact, it compels the believer to do so. Here the heart of David is beheld, showing why he was a man after God's own heart. In the quietness of is own prayer, the "sweet Psalmist" confesses his heart is not haughty. He does not have a high opinion of himself, nor does he look down upon others as though they were inferior to him. He does not hold up his accomplishments before God or man, as though they were something in which to boast. His eyes were not "lofty," seeking for places and things that would put him above others, and cause men to notice him. In other words, David was not the center of his own universe. His life did not revolve around his existence in this world, fame, or matters that exalt the flesh. Here is true humility, and it is spoken before the Lord of glory, who "knows the hearts" of men (Acts 15:8). Further, the Spirit moved David to write it down, so succeeding generations would know such a state of heart is possible, and much to be sought. This is a condition that can be confessed to God, for it is through His blessing that such a heart is possessed, and through His illumination that is can be discerned. What a remarkable heart to possess–and it is the only one God will honor.
Notice how David confesses he does not "exercise" himself "in great matters, or in things too high" for him. The NRSV reads, "I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me." He did not live a life of pretension, aspiring to positions or activities that were beyond his ability, or were unlawful to be sought. Faith had given him insight into his own limitations, and he stayed within them, not attempting to climb higher than his strength could take him. Before he was the king, he did not develop a strategy to become the king. When he was king, he did not seek to rule the world, like Alexander or Nebuchadnezzar. He knew his own capacity and ability, and did not seek things outside that circumference.
Many a two-talent or one-talent soul has attempted to be a five-talent person. They have tried to be and do things for which God has not suited them. But for the souls who will admit their limitations before God, the time will come when the Almighty will grant them a will and strength to do and be something they never imagined possible. But they must first concede their smallness – then God will put them on the potter's wheel and make them great.