It is a joyful thing to see your children eager to pray or bless a meal. The words they speak are often simple, even at times off kilter, yet they are full of faith. For us learned and cynical adults, we cannot help but marvel, when we examine the heart of hope in a child. For example, out of all the public prayers that I have heard over the years, one in particular stands out above the rest. It is from my middle child, Elliot. Obviously, since I am his dad, I am thrilled that he chooses to pray sometimes before we have a family meal, but it is the content of his prayer that intrigues me the most. I have heard some children belt out a lyrical rhyme before a meal, others will bless every living thing before blessing the meal, and then there are some who will say a few incoherent words and then silently look at an adult, seeking a nod of approval to end the prayer.
Strangely enough, I don’t remember teaching Elliot exactly what to say when he prays over food. All I remember is that one day I asked who would like to pray for dinner and he quickly rose his hand. When I motioned to him to pray, he said these words, “I trust you God, dear Jesus, I love Your heart. Thank you. I love Your heart. Amen.” He has repeated this prayer religiously, when wanting to bless the meal. Yes it’s short and sweet, but it is also convicting. His words remind me of David’s declaration in Psalms 62:8, where he writes,“Trust in Him at all times, O people, Pour forth before Him your heart, God is a refuge for us. Selah. (YLT)”
In this tiny prayer lies a much needed reminder for all believers. For instance, do we truly trust God? Often when someone says they trust God, they are really saying that they trust Him in the general scope of life but not in the specific details from day to day. They trust Him for salvation and they even trust that He is coming back one day, but when the car breaks down on their way to work, or an unexpected bill shows up in their mailbox, trust in the goodness and sovereignty of God is found lacking in their hearts. We should trust God for the daily bread in our lives, just as much as we trust Him for the salvation of our souls. My view of God should not be as a distant deity, demanding my fealty, but uninterested in my day to day struggles and pains. Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7 / KJV)”
We must ask ourselves, do I believe that God knows all things? If so, then do I believe that He is concerned with the hardships, no matter how small, in my own life?Finally, if the Almighty looks upon us with such care, is there ever a plausible reason for us to walk in doubt and anxiety? Because “He certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust (Psalms_103:14 / GWT),” you can “Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 / GWT).”
Elliot’s final statement to his prayers is almost always, “Jesus, I love Your heart. Amen.”So often we declare that we love God, but again, our love is only offered in a general sense. We love that He redeemed us, we love that He blesses us, but do we simply love Him for Who He is and not just what He does or has done? To me, for one to love the heart of God implies a desire to know Him more deeply (Philippians 3:8-10) and a resolve to abide in His presence (John 15). David is known as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) and often this is taught to mean that he exemplified holiness, but could it not also mean that David was a man who was literally after God’s heart? He pursued the heart of God!
David said in Psalms 27:8, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Do you love the heart of God? Are you in awe of the heart that bled for our salvation (Hebrews 9:14), the heart that was moved with compassion over the aimlessness of the multitudes (Matthew 9:36), the heart that grieves over man’s wickedness (Genesis 6:6, Psalms 78:40), but lovingly rejoices over His children (Zephaniah 3:17)? Oh Lord, help me to cherish You! Help me to never grieve Your heart, but only seek to please You. Help me, Jesus, to love Your heart.
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