Childlike Faith

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.”  - Matthew 11:25

What a profound truth to understand!  For many, if given the choice to be either a “little one” or “wise and learned” it can appear that being wise and learned is more attractive.  The problem is that, according to Jesus, those who are little children are in fact far more wise and learned than those who simply act this way.

Those who are childlike are the ones who have the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven revealed to them.  They are given a special grace to penetrate the truths of God’s inner life.  This reveals, in part, the simplicity of God’s inner life.  God and His will are never confusing and complex.  We may make Him seem confusing and, as a result, experience God’s wisdom as overly complex.  But in reality, the truth and beauty of God is only discernable by the simple mind who lives in a humble way.  

One tendency we can all have is to spend excessive time and energy trying to “figure out God’s will.”  We can think and think and think, talk and talk and talk, and in the end remain in confusion about this or that.  If you find yourself in this situation, of thinking too much and ending in confusion, then this is a sign that you may not be properly discerning the will of God and may not be allowing yourself to properly hear Him speak.

God speaks to us simply, clearly and only what we need to know, when we need to know.  Therefore, it’s important to always approach our Lord in a humble and simple way, waiting for Him to speak the simple and profound truth we need to hear in His time.  Ultimately, it comes down to patience with our Lord.

Reflect, today, upon whether you find yourself spending excessive time thinking about the mysteries of life only to be left confused.  If so, seek to grow in humility so as to allow the Lord to reveal the simple yet profound truths He desires to reveal.  Strive to be childlike in God’s eyes and you will become wiser and more learned than you could ever become on your own.

Dear Lord, help me to have a simple and childlike faith in You and, through this simple faith, come to know the beautiful mysteries You desire to reveal to me.  Give me wisdom and knowledge, dear Lord, beyond what I could ever obtain by myself.  Jesus, I trust in You.