Unless You Become Like a Child: A Key to Growing Deeper in God and Living Out Your Callings, Plus a Prayer for a Childlike Heart
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Photo by Nathan Dumloa via unsplash
One kingdom key to enjoying a deeper relationship with God and succeeding in the good work He’s called us to do is having a childlike heart—one of curiosity, playfulness, and willingness to learn and dream.
A childlike heart also means that even though we’re acutely aware of our limitations—physically, emotionally, financially, etc.—we’re not worried about them because we know we have a Father Who is more than able.
But even though I long for a childlike heart, being childlike can feel scary because it means letting go of control. It means not always knowing what the next step will be or where the resources will come from.
While this fear might seem understandable, it creates a problem because when we give in to the fear and resist giving control to God, we put ourselves in the “adult role”—the position of the one who has to solve the problems, find the resources, pay the bills, etc. And when we do that, we (usually subconsciously) diminish God and His knowledge, wisdom, power, and ability to provide.
This leads to feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, and frustration because we feel like we’re on our own and that it’s up to us to make things happen—and deep down we know that we can’t.
On the other hand, I’ve found that the more I learn to let go of fear and embrace my smallness and trust God’s faithfulness, the more excitement, hope, wonder, and joy I feel and the more I experience God moving in big ways in my life.
So today, this is my prayer for a childlike heart—join me if you are longing for a childlike heart too!
Dear God,
Help me be like a child today.
Help me dream wild, limitless, and relentless dreams, dreams as high as a sky, the way I did when I was a kid.
Help me forget my fears about where the money for food, clothing, doctor’s bills, gas, and heating fuel will come from, knowing that You have promised to provide for all my needs.
Help me boldly take on challenges, confident that Someone much bigger and stronger than myself is with me and able to help me.
Help me believe everything You say.
Help me laugh out loud and often.
Help me take time to slow down and step on pine cones, splash through puddles, pet puppies, pick pansies, and catch raindrops on my tongue.
Help me to shed self-consciousness and share my true self unashamedly.
Help me rest when I’m tired and run and jump with joy when I’m happy, just because I feel like it.
Help me believe the best of those around me.
Help me nurture my creativity and play like it was what I was created to do.
Help me turn to You when my heart is hurting.
Help me trust that, with You, everything is going to be okay.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me here or through the comment section below!
In purpose and faith,
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