13.2 Peace of a Weaned Child
Resting in God: The Humility of a Quietened Child

Read Psalm 131. What does this Psalm teach us about our relationship with God?

Psalm 131 teaches us about our relationship with God in various ways:

1. Humility and dependence: The psalmist describes a humble attitude that relies on God rather than human strength or ambition. By comparing oneself to a weaned child who finds rest and security in the embrace of its mother, the psalmist emphasizes our dependence on God and the need to submit to Him.

2. Trust and peace: The metaphor of the weaned child with its mother conveys an image of trust and peace in the presence of God. This childlike devotion requires letting go of pride and self-centered desires. It reminds us that we can find peace and security by relying on God and trusting Him.

3. Recognition of our limitations: The psalmist acknowledges his limitations and inability to understand the deep mysteries of God. By not striving for “great things,” he demonstrates his willingness to submit to God and accept His guidance. This reminds us that we cannot know everything and that it is important to trust God even when we do not always understand His plans.

4. Participation in God’s work: The psalmist shows that those who rely on God and trust Him are able to accomplish God’s work and do His will. This willingness to do God’s will demonstrates a mature faith shaped by life experiences.

Overall, Psalm 131 teaches us about the necessity of humility, trust, and peace in our relationship with God. It encourages us to acknowledge our dependence on Him and to trust Him, even when we do not fully understand the magnitude of His plans.

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). What is Jesus saying to us here? What does this idea entail?

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This statement by Jesus entails several important thoughts:

1. Humility and dependence: Jesus urges His disciples to be humble and dependent like children. Children have a natural inclination to rely on their parents and trust them unconditionally. Similarly, the disciples are to accept God’s care and guidance without reservation.

2. Trust and faith: Children have a simple trust and unwavering faith. They do not doubt their parents’ love and provision. Likewise, the disciples are to have a strong faith that trusts in God, even when circumstances are not fully understood.

3. Innocence and purity: Children are free from prejudice, bitterness, and malice. They are innocent and pure in heart. Jesus encourages His disciples to turn away from the negative influences of the world and instead preserve pure hearts.

4. Openness and willingness to learn: Children are curious and open to new experiences. They are ready to learn and grow. Similarly, the disciples are to be humble and willing to learn from Jesus, allowing themselves to be shaped by Him.

Overall, with this statement, Jesus emphasizes the need for a childlike attitude of trust, humility, and purity in faith to enter the kingdom of heaven. He encourages His disciples to open their hearts and turn to God in a simple and trusting manner.

The connection between our everyday life and faith is highlighted through these teachings:

1. Humility and dependency: In daily life, we often encounter challenges that can lead us to recognize our own limitations. The humility emphasized in Psalm 131 and Jesus’ statement in Matthew 18:3 reminds us that we should rely on God and accept His guidance, both in the small daily matters and in the larger life decisions.

2. Trust and peace: Our daily life may be hectic and stressful, but the teachings from Psalm 131 and Matthew 18:3 encourage us to have trust in God and find peace in His presence. By turning to God like weaned children and trusting Him, we can find inner peace despite life’s challenges.

3. Innocence and purity: In everyday life, we often face temptations and negative influences that can affect our hearts and minds. The need to maintain pure hearts, as emphasized in the teachings of Psalm 131 and Matthew 18:3, reminds us to turn away from the negative influences of the world and instead strive for purity and innocence.

4. Openness and readiness to learn: Every day, we have the opportunity to learn and grow, both in faith and in daily life. The openness and readiness to learn emphasized in the teachings of Jesus and the Psalms encourage us to be humble and willing to learn from God and others as we navigate through the challenges and experiences of life.

Overall, these teachings show us that our faith is not separate from our daily lives but is an integral part of it. By being humble, trusting, pure-hearted, and eager to learn, we can experience a deeper connection to God in our daily lives and recognize His work in our lives.

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