The Lord's Way

How to Cultivate Childlike Faith: Wonder in the Word

Childlike Faith

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

Many of us have fallen out of love with God’s Word. It has become part of a to-do list, a duty we want to be done and over with.

Yet, the Word of God is beautiful, full of treasures. But we often miss them because we’re either rushing through it or forcing ourselves to discover some grand revelations.

We forget that the Holy Spirit is our teacher. He is the One who guides and reveals things to us.

Our Lord invites us to take the lowly position of children (Matthew 18:4), that is, to approach our spiritual journey with openness, curiosity, and trust.

Here are some ways to embody childlike faith as we engage with Scripture.

Embrace Humility and Openness

When we open the Bible, we should approach it with humility, recognizing that, like little children, we don’t have all the answers. When we come to Scripture with the expectation of what it should say, we can’t truly hear what it is saying.

Instead, we should imitate little kids who are learning new things: they listen and accept what they are told at face value.

The Word of God is a new world that will often shake our worldview and understanding. Instead of imposing our “position” on it, we should simply take it as it is.

It is the Word of the Almighty God, the All-knowing God. His ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Let us trust in His wisdom and be open to correction, growth, and transformation as God’s Word shapes our heart and character.

Seek Simplicity of Understanding

simplicity

The Bible is God’s love letter to us. It reminds us of who He is, how He sees us, and how He wants us to be with Him. It helps us build and cultivate an intimate relationship with the Father. It’s that simple.

Unfortunately, we often overcomplicate things. We usually look for some grand and groundbreaking revelation, trying to gain something that would serve us, forgetting that it’s all about God.

Just as a child accepts simple truths, we must learn to embrace the core messages and teachings of the Word without trying to fully grasp everything at once.

Childlike faith means believing simply and fully. To strive to see the world through the eyes of faith, focusing on God’s promises rather than getting lost in complex questions or doubts.

Remember, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5).

Ask Questions

There is nothing shameful or sinful about not understanding what the Lord is telling us.

When kids don’t understand something, they ask questions. This is how they gain knowledge and understanding of a world they don’t yet know.

Likewise, we shouldn’t hesitate to ask questions about our faith. God won’t be intimidated or offended by them. On the contrary, He welcomes them (Isaiah 1:18).

Be curious, investigate, and question. Jesus tells us to seek, knock, and ask (Matthew 7:7). He wants us to inquire about the things He tells us. 

As we read the Word, let us prayerfully seek understanding by asking God for insight. He has all the answers.

Practice Trust and Belief

Our God is faithful and good. He works everything for our good (Romans 8:28). He loves us (John 3:16). Therefore, we can trust Him.

Children naturally trust their guardians; they look to them for guidance and believe what they are told. And the more they are protected and cared for, the more they trust and believe without doubt.

Our God is a good Father. He takes care of us, He gave His life for us. When we struggle to trust, let’s remember His past faithfulness. Remember how He has been good to you? Yes, He is trustworthy. 

Let us be like little kids, believing in our Abba Father completely, totally. 

We can trust in His promises. His words are true and relevant to our lives. Let’s believe in His guidance and love for us.

Explore with Wonder

The Bible is the Word of God: it is good. Like children who find something good and exciting in each discovery, we should engage with Scripture joyfully.

Children can interpret something seemingly normal as wonderful, making a simple trip a big adventure. Let’s be excited about learning stories, principles, and teachings from the Bible.

Let us not get so used to the Word of God that we become bored with it. It is full of hidden treasures, overflowing with God’s love for us and full of stories of men and women like you and me who have walked with God.

It is wonderful.

The Bible is more than a manual or a dos and don’ts guide. It is the key to God’s heart and a genuine connection with Him. It is worth exploring and enjoying.

Conclusion

God is our Father, and He loves us.

He encourages us to become like little children: humble, curious, and trusting.

As we are growing and maturing in the Word, let us cultivate and maintain a childlike faith: sitting humbly at His feet and receiving His instructions, fully trusting and believing in Him.