Psalm 131

When we read the Psalms, we are in the realm of sacred poetryPoetry begins in the heart and it speaks to the heart- we can analyze a poem – take it into the lab and dissect it• but if we go too far, we kill the specimen• in our first encounter with a poem we need to hear it--that’s all◦ listen to the music of its rhythm◦ feel the effect of its words and images- what I feel in this poem is contentment• here is a poet who accepts himself as he ismy heart is not lifted up◦ in the Old Testament, a heart lifted up is conceited, full of itselfmy eyes are not raised too high◦ eyes looking downward is a gesture of humilityI do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me• he does not grasp at things beyond his reach◦ this reminds me of a classic Eastwood line,“A man’s got to know his limitations”