Commentary: 'Chill out!'

Todd Gaddis

Take Jesus a lot more seriously and yourself much less seriously.”

Ask people to name their number one Psalm and Psalm 23 will likely show up at the top of the list. And while I love those comforting words from David, Psalm 16 has long been at the top for me. That said, at this season of my life, Psalm 131 has worked its way into the co-favorite position. There’s just something about this simple and soothing song that resonates. Carefully meditate on these Holy-Spirit-inspired words: 

¹ Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
² I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child resting against his mother,
My soul within me is like a weaned child.
³ Israel, wait for the Lord
From this time on and forever. (NASB 2020)

Note first, David’s statement, “my heart is not proud,” an indication of his humility. He was one of the most powerful people in the world at the time, yet understood his place when compared to God. 

William Carey, considered by many to be the father of modern missions, had a modest upbringing in England, working as a cobbler as a young adult. While serving in India, he often faced ridicule for his “lowly” position. At a social function one evening, someone said snobbishly, “I understand, Mister Carey, that you once worked as a shoemaker.” “Oh no, your lordship,” Carey responded, “I was not a shoemaker, only a shoe repairman.” 

“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Matthew 23:12, James 4:6 NASB). 

Next, David writes, “I have soothed and quieted my soul,” revealing a state of serenity. When’s the last time you’ve heard such words from leaders and influencers in our harried and polarized society?

Once, while visiting the home of sisters and friends, Jesus heard the complaints of the one who was left in the kitchen to do all the work, while the other, at His feet, listened intently. Hearing her objections, Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her” (Luke 10:41 NASB).

At this stage in life, David had discovered “the good part.” Worn down from doing, no doubt, it was time to experience some being. He was enjoying those “green pastures” and “quiet waters” he wrote so eloquently about.

Finally, see that David makes a transition, shifting from himself to his beloved Israel, from time to eternity. It comes as no surprise that “forever” makes its way into his writing. On other occasions, he penned, “In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 16:11, 23:6).

Obviously, He knew that his life on this fallen planet was just a blip on the radar screen of eternity. As his life progressed, centuries before Paul wrote the words, he had learned to set his “mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).

If, like aforementioned Martha, you find yourself hampered by anxiety and worry, chill out! Take Jesus a lot more seriously and yourself much less seriously. If you know Christ as Savior, you can, like David, anticipate dwelling with Him throughout all eternity.

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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.