The Mirror of the Word and other works by C.E. White can be purchased on her website, cewhitebooks.com or on Amazon.

“Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child resting against his mother, my soul within me is like a weaned child. Israel, wait for the Lord from this time on and forever.”

—Psalm 131

Young children believe their mothers know everything, understand everything, and can solve every problem. They don’t concern themselves with matters they can’t comprehend, because they trust their mothers to do it for them. Even after weaning, when the mother has ceased giving instant nourishment, the child has learned calm confidence—content that sustenance, comfort, and provision are still certain.

In the same way, as young believers, God often grants us quicker and more visible shows of his provision and care. As we mature and learn to be confident in him, sometimes the nourishment comes slower, and it feels he isn’t as close.

But just as that weaned child can continue to rely on the good mother’s provision even when she’s not in sight, we can relax in the knowledge that God is caring for us even when we don’t see him and don’t understand the circumstances. We don’t have to involve ourselves in matters too great for us. 

We can hope only in him as a young child runs to his mother with every need.

There are many things too great and difficult for us, but just like the psalmist, we can soothe and quiet ourselves by resting in the Lord and trusting that he will continue to provide and satisfy.

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