Be Still
Originally scheduled for February 11
The actual act of taking communion occupies very little time. But
in the time it takes to pass the trays or come to the front of the
church we are instructed to “examine ourselves.” The instruction is
repeated often, and often repeated with no explanation. Just how am
I to get ready to examine myself? In Psalm 131, David gives us a
very good outline.
A Song of
Ascents, of David. O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes
haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too
difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a
weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned
child within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and
forever.
(Psalms 131:1-3 NASB)
Let’s take it
piece by piece. First, the injunction is to examine yourself. This
is how to prepare for it by yourself. The Psalm is quite short, only
three verses, so we will take it in the simplest way possible. But
do note that this was written by a king; not just any king, but the
greatest king Israel would ever have before the coming of the
Christ. It is therefore fitting for the least of us and the greatest
of us.
He begins by warning us of things we should not do:
· Pride is the first
thing. Would you approach the altar of God with a look of pride on
your face, to let the Almighty know that you are one of the favored
ones? The question answers itself.
·
Nor are you to lift your eyes so that you would compare yourself
with others around you. As CH Spurgeon once put it, this is a
solitary colloquy between you and God.
·
Do not bother yourself with the high points of theology as you
approach the throne of grace. This is not a time of study, but of
devotion.
These are the things you should not do.
What
should you do?
· Begin
by calming your soul. The moment is serious but not emotional. Face
the facts as if you’re looking to God eye to eye.
·
Be quiet. This is not a time for long public prayer demonstrating
your personal piety. Rather, it is a time a private conversation
between you and your Lord.
·
Finally, put your hope in the Lord. The hope of the Christian is the
great resurrection to come at our Lord’s return. The word for “hope”
used to actually means “to wait.” Let him know that you are looking
forward to his return.
Thus may your heart be prepared.
