The very young child was getting mad. He was playing with some toys and was getting increasingly frustrated that things weren’t working out the way he wanted them to according to his vision. His mind evidently saw something, and wanted it to come to reality but couldn’t get it to. He started crying and eventually threw them against the wall in anger.

The parents were watching from another room and felt a range of emotions. They chuckled at this outburst because he was still so uncoordinated. Then, they felt understanding because they were totally able to help. At the same time, they knew they loved their child and wanted the best for him. Imagine, if the child only knew that the parents were RIGHT THERE, things may have worked out differently. What if the child saw the parents, and still behaved in anger? What if the anger was still in his little heart that HE couldn’t get it done, to prove something to his parents? What if the anger was because he saw that his parents were watching and they didn’t do anything to “help”. What if the child had known that if he only picked up the issue, and brought it to the parents; they might have the answers? What if the parents’ restraint was an act of love, like an act of allowing the child to go through this, to learn from it? But “assisting” a child in everything so they won’t be upset isn’t helping.

Sometimes, the innocent smile on the face of a child when they feel they’ve been helped, is priceless!

Why does God say that we must come to Him as a little child? What is the parallel?

Do we go to Him in anger because we are frustrated?

Do we go to Him after we have done something in our own strength?

Do we go to Him after we made a mess?

After reflecting on the similarities, we can relieve ourselves of so much tension and stress if we:

Go to God BEFORE we need help with something. He sees things our mortal senses can’t.

Go to God in praise BEFORE asking for things, because He already knows the future.

Don’t go to God angry, because He knew the situation before it happened.

Run to God for strength, for insight, for grace, and for incredible love!

Remember when the Apostle Peter got out of the boat, and started sinking when he took his eyes off the Lord? Jesus took him by the hand as he was sinking. He was ready to hold on! And Peter survived!

“Lord, thank You for being ever around us, bringing us through those easy times and the tough times. With each breath, our lives are exposed to so many unexpected things. Yet, You are always watching and waiting for us to look to You and RUN to You for answers. You might wait; You might act right away; You may involve others or You make work a miracle right in front of our eyes! But in all things, thank You for LOVING us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”