Radiate: 14 Devotions to Reflect the Heart of JesusSample

Childlike Faith

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. MATTHEW 18:10 ESV

Have you ever noticed how children don't worry about what they will eat, wear, or have tomorrow? They walk in the door from playing outside and immediately blurt out, "Mom, I'm hungry. What's for dinner?" They are fully confident, expecting there is already a plan and provision for them to eat. They fall asleep in their mother's arms at night knowing that when they rise in the morning, they will be safely in their beds, covered, cared for, and perfectly okay.

We claim that children don’t worry as much because they have not been exposed to the real world like adults; we assume this should fade once maturity sets in and life reveals its less romantic side, right? However, what if spiritual maturity is much closer to a child’s faith than we realize, with confident expectation of what is to come? This ability to live in the present, fully trusting the One whom they belong to, allows them to radiate joy and purity as we have never seen! Children are dependent on their parents with no shame in that dependence. They do not wonder if they will be provided for or loved; their assumption is that they will continue to receive what they have always been given. Children forgive quickly and love even quicker because they operate on the basis of being loved.

God desperately wants us, His children, to operate in this same confidence in His character. His steady faithfulness and care for our future allow us to live in the present. The childlike faith that we once displayed is not because we were unaware; it’s because we blindly trusted in our caretaker for what was to come. Such purity is to be preserved and protected and serves as a reminder for us all. People who know that they are loved radiate the love of Jesus in return. Their worry lines are replaced with laugh lines as they anchor themselves in Jesus.

Haven’t we seen that God is far more pleased with our trusting in Him than He is impressed with our knowledge of Him? The trust is the application of believing the knowledge is true. Like a child, may we run and play and trust our Father will provide.

Hey Jesus, thank You for the innocence, purity, and trust of a childlike faith. Help me see my heavenly Father correctly—as faithful, good, and loving. Today I choose to freely play and be, knowing You will provide all that I need in due time. In Jesus’ name, amen.