Today, I picked up a children’s devotional and started paging through it. I loved it! It was simple and to the point. I thought: WOW! If adults could apply these truths on this simple level our relationship with Jesus would become much richer and more meaningful!

I heard a saying once: Sometimes we try to be so profound that we need to be found.

Well, that’s a good point! Jesus said in Matthew 18:3b (ESV): Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus wants us to have childlike faith and to approach Him with pure and innocent hearts, accepting and embracing Him with simplicity, humility and wonder.

As adults, the cares of the world come crashing in on us much too soon. Some children are forced to grow up too quickly. I have observed when people join me in my creative gatherings that their hearts become joyful because it’s an opportunity to just be and to have fun and play. Through the process, many people are surprised by the beauty that comes out as they are given space to release their God given creative gifts.

I often hear people say: I am just not creative. But that is not true. We all possess some level of creativity because God created us in His likeness, and He is the ultimate creator!

In the collage process there is space for freedom of expression that comes forth in a serendipitous way. God wants us to approach our lives much like the collage process: enjoying the journey, embracing by faith the pieces that He adds to the picture, enjoying the texture and the color all woven together with His promises tucked in and making our lives a beautiful masterpiece. (See Ephesians 2:10.)

It’s just a matter of trusting His process while always coming to Him in childlikeness, enjoying life because He created all things for us to enjoy, and embracing simplicity (see 1 Timothy 6:17; Psalm 116:6; Philippians 4:11–13). Yes, indeed, Jesus is totally trustworthy in every way. Approaching Him in childlikeness is something that truly delights Him!

Here are some encouraging facts that I found about the attributes of being childlike:

• It enhances and engages our imagination and view of the world with innovative ideas and solutions
• It incites a higher level of curiosity to explore and learn
• It allows for playfulness in our lives which reduces stress and brings happiness and lightness
• It increases joy by engaging in simple pleasures
• It fosters a positive mood and engagement with others, producing stronger relationships.

There is a song that says: I hope you never lose your wonder.

I think that embraces being childlike. So today I would like to encourage you to go out and play with wonder in the joy of the Lord, and don’t forget to dance…

Wonder:

1. The emotion aroused by something, awe inspiring, astounding or surprising
2. One that arouses surprise or admiration

Song:

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for all the beautiful provisions that You have given us. Help us to approach You with childlike faith and wonder. Thank You for Your grace to take each day and receive fully from all that You have provided. Help us to recognize the places we need to simplify our lives, the times we need to play and to have fun, and the times to just enjoy Your presence and the people you have placed in our lives. We lift up this prayer in the powerful name of Jesus.

Key Scriptures

Here are some additional scriptures on childlike attributes:

GENERAL:

• Matthew 18:3
• Mark 10:14
• Luke 18:16
• Psalm 131:2

TRUST:

• Proverbs 3:5–6
• Psalm 37:5
• Psalm 56:3

JOY:

• Philippians 4:4
• Nehemiah 8:10
• Romans 15:13

HUMILITY:

• James 4:10
• Proverbs 11:2
• 1 Peter 5:6
• Ephesians 4:2

LOVE & FORGIVENESS:

• Ephesians 4:32
• 1 Peter 4:8
• Colossians 3:12–13
• Matthews 18:21–22
• Romans 12:10