Are We Throwing Away Our Joy?

1 Cor. 1:21  But God chose what is simple in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

What could be simpler and weaker than the innocence of  small children?  Little children are totally reliant upon their parents, parent or someone older (depending upon the situation) for their needs to be met. Incapable of providing food, shelter and clothing for themselves—they simply trust, without thinking or worrying.  They have have no idea where the next meal is coming from, but they trust it will be there.  The same is true of shelter or clothing.  I am more than aware that the number of children worldwide who live in circumstances without these basic needs is growing into the billions, which is beyond sad.  However, even under the most impoverished conditions, a “little child” is content with whatever is provided as they rely on someone to care for them.  Am I being a tad redundant here, yes I am!  You see, our Lord Jesus Christ spoke many, many times of “little children”. 

Matthew 18: 1-5 “ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying , Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Jesus called a little child unto him , and set him in the midst of them,  And said , Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted , and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me.”

Matthew 11:25  At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;

Matthew 19:14  but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Luke 10:21  In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will

John 13:33 ” Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ “

I believe we often lose the inner awareness of who our God is and the beauty of His character as our Great Creator and Redeemer.  His love, tenderness, mercy, goodness and patience become  overly “theologized” (I know that’s not a word,until now) which causes the hope, peace and joy of knowing Him to get lost amidst a plethora of translations, versions, lexicons, dictionaries, study helps, books, books and more books.  )** Ink Slinger if you read this I am downplaying reading materials, just the overuse of them in the areas of God’s character listed above**)

Simply and yet profoundly GOD IS LOVE!  He showed His immeasurable love and mercy when He provided the sacrifice needed to reconnect ourselves to Him by giving of His only Son to die in our place upon that cross at Calvary. 

When will we surrender ourselves to our Almighty God and Lord Jesus KNOWING He is caring for us continually…morning through evening… day after day? 

When will we begin rejoicing in the knowledge that we have a BIG GOD who is our Father, Redeemer, Lord, Friend, Comforter, Care-giver…slow to anger and with tender mercies?

When will we become to trust like “little children” in our Abba Father?

The Shepherd knows what pastures are best for His sheep, and they must not question or doubt, but trustingly follow Him. ~~H. W. Smith~~