There are lessons from childhood that adults are often too proud learn. But King David was able to learn contentment from a young child at rest with his mother.
When we are consumed with taking care of ourselves, we have taken on a responsibility that is too great for us. As a result the most important part of life, our relationship with God. is pushed to the side while we determine our how to cope with our problems. However, in Matthew 6 Jesus says to seek first the Kingdom of God. God will take care of the other stuff.
David understood this.
In Psalm 131 he contemplated a little child with his mother. Specifically, a weaned child resting with his mother. He was humble enough to see what was really important. In David’s world, for the first part of child’s life, being next to mom meant nursing for food and for comfort. But after the child was weaned, there was a tenderness that came when this little child snuggled close to mom and found comfort just being next to her. The child no longer urgently sought the breast for food. These moments flee quickly. But David was not too proud to notice them. He saw something wonderful in those tender moments. He saw that his comfort, his contentment was tied to his relationship to his God, just like that child’s contentment was tied to being next to his mom.
So, David, the mighty king, with the weight of leadership on his shoulders, learned from the weaned child. Like Christ, David is saying I will seek God’s kingdom first, all else that is important will be taken care of by my heavenly Father. If God’s kingdom is first today, tomorrow will take care of itself.
Christ’s words in Matthew 6 echo of those David’s. Jesus says there is no need for worry. If God’s rule in your heart is your first priority, all that you need will be given to you. These words are intended to be practical. Yes, life is busy. But no matter how hectic things are, you like David, can see the wonder of being content with God. Then your spirit will be calm and quiet in the noise of your life.
My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.
Psalm 131