Mature Like a Weaned Child

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 (NKJV)

Psalm 131 may only have three verses, but it carries a deep message. In a world where pride is often valued, marked by haughty and lofty eyes, this Psalm teaches us humility and simplicity. Being haughty means we overvalue our importance, look down on others, and focus too much on ourselves. Loftiness, on the other hand, directs us toward ambitions that distract us from humility and simplicity, or it gets us tangled up in complexities beyond our understanding—this demands intellectual humility. The contrast here is with a 'weaned child,' who no longer strives for its mother's milk but rests in her presence with trust and security. This image teaches us about spiritual maturity—it's not about a desperate grasp for provision and striving, but about entering into and resting in God's presence, secure and content.

Reflection Question

How do you cultivate a quiet trust and rest in God’s presence, similar to a weaned child?

Prayer

Abba Father, we renounce our pride, help us so our hearts are not haughty, nor our eyes lofty. Let us not concern ourselves with great matters or with things too profound for us. Teach us, O Lord, to rest in Your presence like a weaned child rests beside their mother—content, secure, and free from strife. May our souls manifest the calm and quiet of a child who trusts wholly in You. For You are El Shaddai, God of all sufficiency, and in You, we can grow in simplicity and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.