The Lord has been teaching me what childlike faith looks like through 2 little boys: Nava and Thara (ages 3 and 5). In Luke Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God” (18:16). The way Jesus speaks about these kids makes it sound like they were eager to go to him. If I can say anything about the 2 boys I’ve gotten to know over the past few months, it’s that they’re eager. I’m still processing what it means for myself- or believers in general- to learn from children; but I’ve narrowed down their character into a few categories we can apply to our faith life. Perhaps one of these practices will strike something in you. I know these boys inspire me and cause me to ponder deeply whenever I’m with them.
Living in the present
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” -Matthew 6:34
These kids are fully focused on whatever’s right in front of them- whether they’re so engaged in a show they don’t hear their parents, staring at shells at the beach, playing with toys outside- they’re fully invested in what they’re doing.
Here’s what my team just discussed about living in fear or worry: it gives us a false sense of control. When we give our fear and concerns to God, we’re able to trust in his provision and live in freedom every day. Living in the present means trusting our Father, just like a child trusts their parents to protect and provide for them. That trust brings freedom.
2. Curiosity
Thara saw me taking pictures and practically grabbed my digital camera from me one day. He spent the next half hour learning how to take pictures, videos, and showing people what he captured.
Kids walk through life constantly observing and asking questions. They have a whole world to discover and they aren’t afraid of how much they don’t know. Like kids, we shouldn’t shy away from the questions we have, but instead, confidently bring them to God in prayer. Similarly, a relationship with Jesus means constantly learning from him and approaching God with an eager curiosity.
3. Crying for help
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” -Psalm 18:6
Mothers are expected to be the sole caretaker of their children in Thailand. So it’s natural for little Nava to cry “Mama” whenever he’s hurt, lost, wants something, or is in trouble. He calls for her a lot- and she responds.
We have a God who hears us. We have a God who will never turn his ear from our prayers. When we struggle, he wants us to run to him. His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). He can be your strength and comfort in all circumstances.
4. Contentment
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” -Psalm 23:1-3b
Contentment plays a big role in living in the present. I watched these two little boys stand and stare at the water as they ate a jelly snack for several minutes. They live a surprisingly simple life! I watched them, unable to remember the last time I ate a meal by myself, in silence, without my phone or distractions.
True joy and contentment comes from God. What he provides for us is part of his good plan (Romans 8:28). Especially living in another country, I’ve been able to see how blessed I am. My home, circumstances, family- they’re all a good gift from God. When I struggle to be content with the things he’s given me, my heart isn’t typically in a good place. God’s love and provision is more than enough. I’m learning to find pure contentment there.
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Now reread those characteristics and see how they apply to your relationship with God. Do you approach the Bible with an eager curiosity? Are you present wherever you are- trusting God’s provision? Are you honest with God when you need help? How can you invite God into those areas to help you grow?
God has a father's love for you- he wants to hold you and care for you. He will provide for and protect you. He holds your heart and future in his hands- so trust him.
It’s my prayer that I continue to learn how to have a childlike faith: walking with God, letting him hold my hand to guide me, and trusting in his good plan for me.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” -Luke 18:17
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