Do You Have Childlike Faith?

July 10, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.’” Matthew 11:25-26

I feel something just downright joyous being among a group of happy and playful children. Simple things, such as bubbles floating through the air or fish swimming through the water, captivate them. Whereas ‘to-do’ lists often captivate adults, children live in the moment. They observe, listen, and can delight in the gifts of the here and now.

Jesus welcomed children. He even invited the most serious of adults to become like them. Why did he issue this strange invitation? Jesus wanted to give the adults the gift of focusing on the present, so they truly could see him with eyes of faith and not skepticism and to hear his words with an open heart and mind. Most importantly, they could delight in being in the presence of God Almighty.

Children did not doubt Jesus’ deity. They clung to him. It makes you wonder why we lose this childlike zeal and faith. Sadly, living in a broken and sinful world has consequences. Childhood and child-like hearts end as hearts break, dreams get crushed, and they experience the pain of being let down by the people they trust. With age and supposed wisdom, we develop a whole host of coping mechanisms to deal with life.

Unfortunately, these very things we adopt to make us feel safe become the very things that rob us of life. Hardness of heart can creep in, and this hardness does not just keep out the bad; it also keeps out the good.

Jesus came into this messy and painful world to reveal the heart of his Father to and for us. He reminded people God loves, sees, and knows them, and longs to rescue them from the futility of their ways. A child would quickly receive these messages and enjoy them. Unfortunately, the woundedness of life can make one wary of such love and hope. This guardedness wrongly reminds us that Jesus may not be safe.

Revelation is received by the humble but is scoffed at by the proud. The humble person seeks wisdom and understanding while the proud person suppresses the truth when it challenges him or her. Jesus invites you to become like a child. Bring your hurts, disappointments, and fears before him today. While you are at it, bring your hardness of heart, too. Ask him to minister to those places, to cleanse and heal, and to restore a childlike faith within you today.

Prayer:

Lord, break through the barriers that keep us from receiving you today. Guide us by your Holy Spirit to become people of humility and childlike faith that you may increase in us and us in you. Amen

We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.