Forty Days in the PsalmsSample

Children often say what adults think but are afraid to say. Sometimes that is a good thing! As we age, we learn to filter what we say so that we are understood, and the people we love aren’t hurt. But sometimes, our filter is based more on pride than on love.

We filter out our encouraging words because “we don’t want someone to get too conceited.” We don’t express the wonder we feel at the sight of a starry night or a glinting rock in a stream because we’ve seen it before. We neglect to say a heartfelt "thank you" because “they are just doing their job.” And are we better off? I say no.

Jesus quotes from Psalm 8 when the adults standing by are critical of His follower’s response:

“And they said to him, 'Do you hear what these are saying?' And Jesus said to them, 'Yes; have you never read', 'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise'" (Matthew 21:16).

Jesus seems to say, “You might be grown up in stature and years, but your ego is getting in the way of your relationship with God. It’s the childlike heart that my Father seeks.”

We should beware of pride that can block our response to God’s activity and His Love for people. We may miss out on divine appointments and opportunities.

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

RESPOND IN PRAYER:

Ask God for a childlike heart without a childish attitude. Pray that you may recognize God’s activity and respond to His Love for you and others.