But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2
Psalm 131 is the shortest one – it is only three verses. Yet it is one of the most powerful. What a beautiful image of a mature child of God. A weaned child in the ancient world was almost four years old. They could walk, talk and do simple chores. Yet they still stayed close to the parents and were open to learning from them. It is an age of wonder and discovery, safe in the shadow of an adult. Obedience is a given. Pleasing Mommy and Daddy is still primary. So is imitation.
A weaned child is well nourished, full of the mother’s life giving nutrients. Mother’s milk has made them satisfied, strong and immune to a lot of germs and viruses that could otherwise make them ill. The Word of God is our spiritual nourishment, isn’t it? If we feed on it, ingest it and make it a part of us daily, then we can grow strong in Him and become more immune to the temptations of the world. It does not mean we are no longer dependent on Him, but that our faith has matured enough to where we can walk along side Him and not be constantly held. But, we still can reach up and grab that hand if we need to. We still need God’s strength and wisdom and protection.
Jesus said that unless we are like children in our faith- trusting and not tarnished yet by doubts – that we cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven. If we believe with child-like faith, we are obedient, willing to please Our Father in Heaven and imitate His ways without questioning His authority.
Father, may we be filled with Your Word so it can guide us, teach us and protect us from the evils of our world. But never let us lose the innocent confidence and unquestioning faith we have in You. Keep us safe and help us to grow in truth, until we are united in Heaven with You. Through Your Son’s example, as your children, we pray this. Amen.
At that time Jesus said, ” I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to the little children.” Matthew 11:26
