CHILDLIKE TRUST

JULY 3

Psalm 131

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?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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