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Childlike Faith: Restoring a Simple, Relational Connection with God


In the chaos of life, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking our relationship with God is based on rituals and religious practices—things to check off a list, a set of expectations we need to meet. Unfortunately, this mindset can water down the powerful, personal connection that God desires with us.

I believe the best description of the relationship we’re called into with God is childlike faith. Imagine the innocence, trust, and simplicity of a child—a child who doesn’t fret about complex religious rituals but simply looks to their parent for love, support, and connection. This kind of faith restores the purity and beauty of the relationship God originally intended with His children.

Prayer: A Simple "Check-In" with God

When I think of prayer, I often compare it to the times I’d call my mom when I was away from home. I didn’t call because I had to—though, yes, she expected me to! I called because I wanted her to know how I was doing and also to check in on how she was. I cared about the connection. That’s how prayer is supposed to be. It's not about checking a box or saying the right words; it’s about staying connected with God.

If too much time passed without me checking in, my mom would call me. Likewise, God checked in with Adam in the garden, saying, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9), and with Elijah in a cave, asking, “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9). These moments remind us that God desires connection and conversation with us—not a religious performance.

Jesus’ sacrifice was far more than a rulebook to follow; it was the restoration of the relationship that sin had broken. He made a way for us to return to the Father. Through Christ, prayer isn't a transaction—it’s about communication, intimacy, and mutual love.

Living Like a Child of the Most High

Just like children, we are expected to behave a certain way. As kids, we do our best to represent our family well, avoiding behaviors that would cause embarrassment. But more than just avoiding mistakes, our lives reflect the love, discipline, and training we've received from our parents. It’s not about earning our place in the family but simply living in a way that honors our upbringing.

The same is true in our relationship with God. We are children of the Most High—not to earn our salvation or blessings, but because of what Jesus has already done. We live rightly, not as a means to gain God’s approval, but out of gratitude for what we’ve freely received. Our desire to live righteously flows from the very nature of being His child.

This concept is liberating because it makes our relationship with God about the heart—about connection, trust, and love—rather than mere performance. God didn’t call us into a contract; He called us into family. And in this family, love is the driving force behind everything we do.

Jesus Restored Relationship: The Key to Freedom

When Jesus said that His burden is easy and His yoke is light, He wasn’t inviting us to take on more rules, guilt, or pressure. He was inviting us into the relationship that was always meant to be there. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Jesus restored us to the Father, breaking the barriers created by sin. No longer is access to God determined by our ability to follow religious practices perfectly. It’s now defined by the relationship we have through Christ.

As we embrace childlike faith, we are free to live in the joy of knowing we are loved, cherished, and accepted by God just as we are. Our journey is not about climbing a mountain of rules but walking hand-in-hand with our Heavenly Father, trusting that He will guide, correct, and empower us out of His love for us.

Let’s return to the simplicity of childlike faith and experience the freedom Jesus has given us.

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