CHILDLIKE JOY
Jesus Blesses the Children
Matthew 19:13-14 (NLT)
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And He placed His hands on their heads and blessed them before He left.
I think back to when I was attending a small group. There was a young woman that attended and would bring her small children with her. On more than one occasion I noticed her little girl twirling joyously in circles with a smile of delight on her face during worship. Her love and trust and innocence shone so pure and bright. It was like I could feel God looking down on her with a heartwarming smile on His face as He took delight in her beautiful dance/worship to Him. It always filled my heart with such joy to see this.
Then I began to think to myself. Was I like that when I was a little girl? When did I lose that innocence? Is it possible to get that innocence back? As we grow and mature, it’s as though life gives us hardness. We grow up and go through different hurts and sorrows. Our trust diminishes. We pretty much become calloused. Then in our own walk with God we try to live our lives to please our heavenly Father. Some of us may wonder, has what I’ve done been good enough? Am I really enough? Maybe we don’t trust ourselves or we doubt ourselves. After growing up in this world for so long it’s a battle to live in the way the world expects us, how God calls us to live, who He says we are.
What should we do? Surrender…my friends; this is something I pray about often. Lord, help me to surrender what needs surrendered to You, because honestly, I don’t know how. I can’t do it without You. Not only should we surrender but included in surrendering is trust. Proverbs 3:5,6 (NLT), Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Some advice I’ve been given and I give to you: Be the you that God created you to be. Don’t let this world or anyone else change you. God transforms a willing heart. He does not forcefully change it. Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
Romans 12:2 (NLT), don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Every day is a battle. Attitude is the most important factor in your day. When you wake up, do you wake up feeling defeated? Then that’s how your day will go. How about waking up and joyfully greeting our Father!
“Good morning God! I don’t know what You have planned for today, but I know that You are with me! I trust You and give You my heart, my life, my spirit to do with what You would like.
Remember your promise, O God! Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT), “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
I love you, Lord! In Jesus name I pray! Amen!
When you go through your day, try to hang onto that spirit of joy. It won’t always be easy. I’ve been there, and there are days I still struggle. But as I’ve said before, God’s love for us will never change and He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. He is a God who desires to give us good gifts! Do you believe this? Do you trust Him?
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