JULY 3
Psalm 131:2, “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”
Though it was decades ago, Psalm 131 was the text for the very first sermon I ever preached. It happened at St. Helens Community Bible Church during an evening service—at least that much I clearly remember. Why I chose this psalm, however, I can’t quite recall. Ironically, in contrast to the calm and humble spirit of the psalm itself, I was quite nervous as I shared the message. At the time, I was also unaware of many of the beautiful truths tucked within this simple, short passage. While the timeless truth of the psalm remains unchanged, much has changed in my life over the years since. Now, I see more clearly the rich, comforting message woven throughout this psalm about humble, childlike trust.
In Psalm 131:2, the psalmist uses the image of a weaned child with its mother to beautifully illustrate the depth of his trust and contentment in God. Unlike a nursing infant who depends on immediate physical nourishment and cries out when hungry, a weaned child has moved into a stage of calm security and peaceful reliance. The child no longer demands constant attention but rests quietly in the mother’s presence, fully confident in her care and love. This metaphor captures a mature, settled faith—a faith that no longer clings anxiously but rests peacefully in God’s provision and timing.
This image resonates deeply with the idea of childlike faith that was praised by Jesus (Matthew 18:2-4; Mark 10:13-16). It shows that faith isn’t about clinging desperately or being anxious, but about growing into a calm trust—a quiet confidence that God is faithful and will provide what is truly needed in His perfect time. Like a weaned child who no longer frets but simply enjoys the safety of the mother’s presence, we too are called to rest in God’s care, content and untroubled—even when our needs aren’t met immediately or in the ways we expect. We don’t need to know things we aren’t given to know, and we needn’t fret about things beyond our control; God’s presence is enough. Amid the troubles of life, seek out that place of quiet rest in humble trust in the God who always cares.
“There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God.” — Cleland B. McAfee
Application Questions: In what areas of your life are you struggling to rest quietly in God’s care like a weaned child? How can you begin to practice trusting His timing and provision more fully? When anxiety or impatience arise, what steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s faithful presence and find peace in humble trust?
LookingtoJesus 