Picture a father lifting his toddler high into the air, both laughing with delight. The child is airborne for a moment, away from the safety of the father’s hands, yet there is no fear. They know, without question, that the same hands that tossed them up will catch them again. This is not just playtime; it is a powerful display of trust. The child believes, without question, that their father will never let them fall. That he loves them too much to let harm come to their fragile body.
This is the kind of trust Jesus calls us to: the unguarded, wholehearted dependence of a child. When He says; “…Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
Have we ever paused to ask why Jesus uses children to teach us about humility and trust? A child is completely dependent on their parent for food, shelter, guidance, and protection. They believe that when they ask, they will receive. They follow where their parents lead, trusting that the path is safe and the journey is guided by love and wisdom. No parent would lead their child into danger or down a road they have not walked themselves. Instead, they measure the difficulty of the path against the strength of the child and say, “My child can handle this.” And when it gets hard, they are there to encourage, to carry and to share the burden.
But even the strongest parents grow weary. They are finite. They cannot always be present, nor can they provide perfect guidance or protection. They too are dependent on a higher Being on God. Their love is great, but their reach is limited.
So who then should we look to in full dependence? Who is worthy of our ultimate trust? “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth… The LORD is thy keeper… The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil… The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for
evermore.” Psalm 121:1–2, 5, 7–8 (KJV)
As much as our parents love us, they cannot promise what God has pledged. Only God can be trusted with complete surrender. He alone watches over us day and night. He alone preserves us in every season of life. And He has walked this path before us. The book Desire of Ages captures this beautifully:
“The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour’s footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.” — Desire of Ages, p. 480.4
Reflection:
Have I placed more dependence on my parents than on God? Do I recognize that my relationship with my parents is meant to teach me about God’s love and care? How can I cultivate childlike surrender to the Almighty? Why do I still fear and resist surrender, when God has already walked this path and promises to preserve me?
Prayer:
Dear Father, I realize now that I have looked to my parents for what only You can give, that is; true preservation and protection. I’ve trusted them more than I have trusted You. Shift my focus, Lord. Help me to depend fully on You. Grant me the heart of a child , one that surrenders completely to Your leading, knowing You have made the path easier for me and promised Your constant presence. You are all I need, my God. Amen.