The smile of a weaned child is a beautiful picture of the meaning of humility and maturity, When children are weaned, this experience usually marks the end of infancy. Each child must eventually be weaned and learn the first lesson in the school of life. Growing up involves painful losses that can lead to wonderful gains. Psalm 131 is three verses focused on simple trust in the Lord and humility as a child.

David knew this when he stated in Psalm 131:2, “Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child.” This psalm is David’s profession of humility, humbly made, with thankfulness to God for his grace, and not in vain-glory. God’s goal for us is emotional and spiritual maturity. God sometimes has to wean us away from good things to give us better things. David had accepted God’s will in the losses and gains of life to experience that inner calm that is necessary to be a mature person.

I am learning that as I move to maturity I honestly accept who I am, understand what I can do, and live for God’s glory. When I accept myself and thank God for the way He made me I do not need to impress people. Being myself, others will see my worth and love me for who I am. The opposite of this would be immaturity. I would reject myself and hate myself, envy others, attempt to be someone who I was not, and be prideful in my heart. David was humble. He aimed at nothing high or great. He was very easy in every condition God allotted him. Therefore he encouraged all people to trust in God as he did. When I read these three verses I have a consciousness of my integrity. This is what David is rejoicing about, that his heart could witness for him that he had walked humbly with God. Wow! This is a challenge, but a must-do for all believers. Amen?

I am sure because of David’s humility, God exalted him. David was not haughty, nor was he desirous of making a prominent name in the world. Had not God called him, he probably would have been content tending the sheep. He did not proudly pursue the kingdom, God gave it to him. He was not trying to attain power or high places but was humble as a little child at the age of weaning and entirely at God’s disposal. Just like the child is at the disposal of the mother. I pray that God who searches the heart will not find us as saints thinking so well of ourselves, not in love with our own shadow, nor magnifying our attainments or achievements. But with the love of God reigning in our hearts it should subdue all thoughts of self-love.

David said he behaved and quieted himself as a child weaned from his mother. Jesus our Savior has taught us humility in this comparison. We must become as little children. Jesus our example was indifferent to the wealth and honor of this world. By the grace of God, we are sanctified believers who can wean from those things in the world that are worthless and have no place in eternity. When we can live our lives comfortably with God, weaning from the world, we no longer need milk like a weaning child for we can eat meat; we have humbled ourselves and spiritual growth is attained. It is time for all believers to live in such this way, as a child that is weaned of his mother, growing and enjoying the comfort of God.