Walking to the Beat of a Different Drummer

Our society has numerous ways to describe an individual who does not conform to its values and standards—rebel, maverick, misfit, going against the grain, walking to the beat of a different drummer, eccentric, radical, fanatic, activist, nonconformist, one of a kind, unconventional. What, or who, do you picture when you hear these terms? Probably not you!

The Bible calls believers to live a life different than the world. Romans 12:2a—And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Today, when tolerance is one of our culture’s primary virtues, the rebels and eccentrics of yesteryear are welcomed and embraced, while anyone who stands for absolutes is frowned upon. As I read Psalm 131 the other day, I was struck by the values of the psalmist, and how contrary they are to our culture.

Psalm 131 says—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.

David says his heart is not proud, nor his eyes haughty—pride is everywhere in our world. Self-esteem is treasured. Trash talk is common. Self-confidence is desired. Taking delight in our accomplishments is assumed. The arrogant are idolized—actors, musicians, athletes. God’s Word condemns pride often. 1 Peter 4:5 and James 4:6 say, God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 6:16-17 says, the Lord hates haughty eyes; they are an abomination to Him. Proverbs 21:4 calls haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, sin. Humility is the virtue God desires in the lives of His people.

The psalmist also says he does not involve himself in great matters, or in things too difficult for him. Our culture would look at this attitude as a problem—maybe a result of low self-esteem. Maybe this man is depressed or has some disorder; he needs medication! Ambition fuels our world; climbing up the ladder is part of the American dream. We can never think too highly of ourselves in today’s thinking. This is the opposite of what the psalmist says. Here he reflects the admonition of Paul in Romans 12:3—I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment. Romans 12:16 exhorts us, Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Verse 2 describes a picture of complete contentment, a weaned child resting against his mother. David reflects his total satisfaction in the Lord. Psalms 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Contentment is rare in our world. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to insure that! We live in a day of never-ending pursuit—a more prestigious job, a nicer home, a faster car, a firmer figure, the latest technological gadget. Yet the Lord invites us to rest in Him, to quiet our soul in Him. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites us, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light. The song based on Psalm 62 reminds us, Only in God is my soul at rest. We as believers need to seek contentment in the Lord alone.

David concludes the psalm by urging Israel to hope in the Lord. Today people are trusting in so many things—themselves, their financial resources, the government, the wisdom of the world, relationships, military might, education, etc. God wants us to trust in Him, to hope in Him. Psalm 130:5-8 says, I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Psalm 118:8-9 reminds us, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Psalm 131 highlights some significant ways that we as believers need to walk to the beat of a different drummer. We need to follow the Lord, not the world.