Psalm 131:1
“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.”
It is disturbing to see people live with a troubled spirit. Many with a troubled spirit run to doctors who prescribe drugs to help calm their soul. The problem with trying to control the troubled spirit with drugs is that it still won’t solve what caused it. God’s Word is always the answer to every problem. God goes to the source of the problem, and if every person would follow His prescription, they could live in peace with a calm soul. The Psalmist gives five things you must do to keep a calm soul.
First, keep a humble heart. The verse above says, “…my heart is not haughty…” Part of the problem we face is that we feel we deserve something in our heart, which is nothing more than a proud heart. The best way to keep life from becoming troubled is to control your heart. Don’t allow yourself to feel that you deserve more than what you have. Always remember that a humble heart is a content heart. If you keep yourself from getting the attitude that you are better than others, you will keep yourself from thinking that you deserve more than what you have.
Second, have a modest appetite. The verse above continues by saying, “…nor mine eyes lofty…” You will always be unhappy if you allow yourself to look at things you know you cannot afford. It is like a child whose eyes are bigger than their appetite; they put more on their plate than they can eat. Don’t let your eyes of pleasure get bigger than the appetite of your financial budget. Live within your means and don’t let your eyes become so lofty that they compel you to purchase that which you cannot afford.
Third, keep a temperate behavior. The psalmist says, “…neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.” In other words, don’t meddle with things that are not in your area. Many people get their spirit so uptight because they are dealing in areas where they have no control. The best way to keep your spirit from becoming uptight is only to deal with the areas of life that you do control. Don’t try to control another’s life; just stay focused on your life and what you have been given to control.
Fourth, live a moral life. Nothing disquiets your spirit more than living an immoral life. The psalmist says in verse 2, “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself…” Don’t allow sin to stir the waves of your heart. If you stay away from sin, you will stay away from its tumultuous and troubling ways. Living a moral life keeps the spirit calm because you have no regrets or worries about what others may discover.
Fifth, keep a simple lifestyle. The psalmist talks about his soul is “as a weaned child.” Don’t trouble your life with having to get things. You will find that those who live a simple life have less stress than those who acquire things. Don’t always have to have the newest and the best. Be satisfied with what you have.
These five things will keep your spirit and soul calm through life if followed. Don’t listen to the voices of this world that try to lure you away from these five things. If you follow these five things, you will discover a tranquil life and a satisfied soul.