What’s the Deal with the Weaned Child in Psalm 131?
Resting with God from choice, not need.
“But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content” (Psalm 131:2).
For years this word confused me, because to me the picture of deep rest seemed more like the infant who involutes into a tiny ball in the mother’s arms, nestled and quiet, so content.
And as a picture of rest, I suppose it remains a beautiful picture of rest.
By comparison, the weaned child sitting with its mother is a picture of volition, a picture of choice.
The child could go and play, or rest in bed, or find some siblings or friends—really do anything else.
But instead, the child chooses to come and sit with the mother and rest and sink back, arms wrapped around, at peace, in a place of safety and contentment.
No demands. No impatience. Just peace.
Lord, we would like to be that weaned child, choosing to sit with you from volition, not need, enjoying your comforting presence, with your arms wrapped around me.
Lord, we recognize other pictures in your word, too, like running the race, or sowing the seed. When we need to do those things, may we do them as well.
But thank you for the picture of the weaned child, sitting with his mother in contentment.
Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
God says, “My grace is enough for you; my power comes to perfection in weakness,”
Amy Joy
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