I guess in order to draw near to God in child-like faith, it makes sense to think like a child. We have a close example of the relationship within our own families. The Lord taught me some lessons on this through my little one.
I have to get up pretty early in the morning to beat Kadence Belle, my three-year old. I try to get up by 6 so I can pray, worship, and learn from God’s word before the craziness of my day starts. I don’t always have the discipline and sometimes she is up just a few minutes behind me or is the one to wake me up.
As soon as she gets up, she wants to sit with me. She doesn’t say the same thing each morning but it’s always similar. “Can we sit together? I missed you.” I am a stay at home mom and she sees me pretty much every day, all day, but to her that time when she slept was time when she was away from me and she needs us to feel close again. And, I love it!
I have a million things to accomplish between meals, preparing for our home school day, chatting with my husband before he’s out the door, etc. However, the time with her is so precious and loving, that I would give up most anything to have it.
I want to seek out God like that. I want to get up each morning and join in with the psalmist professing, “Satisfy us in the morning with your loyal love! Then we will shout for joy and be happy all our days!”
The Bible says that God is our a Father. He longs to be close to us, to show us His love, and to abide within us. Just like I feel when Kadence sits with me and needs my presence, God enjoys and treasures those moments when you draw near in a child-like faith.
Scriptures To Encourage You That God Loves Spending Time with You
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 John 3:1a
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God..”
Galatians 4:6
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Psalm 145:18
“The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.”
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
He is a good, good Father who has compassion, love, and mercy on us. That is a relationship worth pursuing. One that we should seek after. To know God more, to be in His holy presence, and to find comfort in sitting with Him in love are worthy endeavors!
Draw Near with Child-Like Faith
Kadence gave us a good example on how to draw near to our Lord in a child’s dependence and love.
–She is so ready to be with me. Get yourself excited to be with God. Remind yourself of His goodness, of His promises, of His faithfulness, and count your blessings. If it’s been a while, be honest with God and like Kadence, tell Him that you’ve missed Him. What can you prepare in advance? Do you have a Bible plan? Do you have a quiet spot?
–She is dependent on me. Sure she needs me to fix her breakfast and take care of her needs but she also gets peace in knowing I’m near and it gives her assurance that I’m here for her now and always. It’s a good thing to be dependent and needy before God. It shows trust and humility. Pray before you read the word and ask him “for your daily bread” and tell Him that you need Him and His presence. And, keep that same dependence through out the day. No need is too big or too small to take to our Lord.
–She draws her strength for the day. Read the word not just for the sake of saying you did it but read it to meditate on it and to find encouragement, correction, and purpose for your day. Find truths to hold on to and to pass on to your children. Abide in Christ and His words so that He can bear fruit in you!!
–She just comes as my child. There is no pretense, no awkwardness, and no need to be anything but genuine. I’m her mom and she’s my baby. I love her and she loves me. Relate to God like that!! He is Your loving, heavenly Father who created you, knows you, and wants the best for you. Just come to Him as you are in complete honesty and rest.
Our total surrender to Him letting Him know that we are desperate for His nearness, strength and direction are what allows His Holy Spirit to guide us and keep us on the paths of righteousness.
I don’t know about you but sometimes, I just need a reminder that a daily quiet time and to draw near in a child-like faith is pleasing to God and is so important to how my day flows. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:2-4:
“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
What does your quiet time look like? Do you treasure being with God in the stillness of the morning or late at night when everyone has gone to bed? Do you believe He looks forward to and cherishes that alone time with you?
If you would like any resources on how to have a daily quiet time, prayer, or a Bible plan, please feel free to contact me here. I’d love to help you!!
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Boy, do I resonate with this. It just amazes me that God—who needs absolutely nothing to fulfill Him—wants to spend time with ME! That He actually delights in it. Sometimes when the world gets too loud, I forget how sweet it is to just sit with Him. But when I push aside all the other things that call to me and—like Mary, remember the “better part” at His feet, those I’m rejuvenated for the rest of the day. Whether that be first thing in the morning, middle of the afternoon, or late at night. He’s there each time and happy to sit. 😊
It is truly amazing!! I am humbled and overwhelmed at His love and care.❤
This is wonderful! I am copying down some scriptures from this. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure. Praying the Lord speaks through His word.❤
Very encouraging. I like how you used the illustration of your own daughter to show how we need to be like that with God-especially wanting to be near him, depending on him. I often forget that He does delight in spending time with me. Great reminder !
Praise the Lord that it encouraged your heart Lori. I want to be that dependent and needy too.❤
I love this whole post! I especially like the part where you talked about coming to God with all the awkwardness and clumsiness of a child, we don’t have to be perfectly collected to come to God. What a beautiful reminder that moms with young children will understand perfectly!
Thanks for the encouragement Tiffany!! It always feels amazing when you can connect and get across what God puts on your heart to the reader.❤
I want to get up every morning and be engulfed in his presence too. Something we can strive for daily.
Amen Sister.❤
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This really spoke to my heart this morning! God does want us to come to Him as a child would but that can be so hard for some to understand when they had mean earthly parents. Thank you for this beautiful post sweet friend …
Amen. Thankful for such a Good Father.
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