The journey of growing into a childlike faith begins with humility and leads to peace and joy. Today, we’re imagining what that might sound like set in a musical landscape.
heart of humility
/ “Rend My Heart” (Wilderness Cry)
Reminiscent of a Psalm, this is an earnest plea for God to fill our hearts with humility. Rich lyrics set to a thoughtful melody prompt us to contemplate what’s being expressed. Partly based on Jesus’ words of invitation in Mark 10:14 (“Let the children come to me”), it turns those words back to Him as a prayer, asking Him to work in our hearts. In order to be completely free in Christ, we must let Him have all of us, even the darkness and shadows. His Spirit dwelling in us is what makes possible the change in our hearts.
/ “Humility” (Twila Paris)
This song reminds us that the Lord wants us to be characterized by the same humility He has. We’re not to think of ourselves as more or less than we are. The goal is not pretending or hiding, but letting others see what is real so that His humility shines through. When our hearts are not darkened by the shadows of pride, our transparency allows His light to shine through, opening others’ eyes as well as our own to what God already sees in us.
/ “Humble Yourself” (2nd Chapter of Acts)
This is one of those classic songs from the 80s that’s great to dance to. It’s not a bad tune to get stuck in your head. “Humble Yourself” puts forth the principle of pride going before a fall, then urges listeners to think of yourself rightly and consider your motives. It’s filled with allusions to various Scriptures on humility (Proverbs 16:18, Philippians 2:3, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Matthew 10:29). I love how it’s phrased as a command: that reminds us that humility is a choice. It doesn’t come naturally, but is possible only through the power of the Spirit in us.
/ “Clumsy” (Chris Rice)
This song captures the feeling of wondering why you’re not further along in your faith where you think you should be by now. It’s easy to feel downright clumsy sometimes when it comes to following Jesus. You keep falling into the same struggles and battling against the same sins, and sometimes you think, why haven’t I conquered this by now? The goal is to grow, of course, but we also need to keep taking God’s grace along the way (so long as we don’t take it for granted) and trust that He’s always working in us, even when it isn’t obvious. The discomfort draws us closer to Him.
take me back
/ “1989” (Chris August)
Whether or not you were a child in 1989, the principle of this song applies: just think back to the time when you were young and life was nothing but fun (or at least it seemed that way). Returning to the fresh-faced faith of your childhood can be hard once you’ve grown up, but sometimes that’s what you need, to keep things simple and not try to complicate them. It’s never too late to return to who we once were.
/ “Help Me Believe” (Nichole Nordeman)
While “1989” is a cheerful request to return to one’s childhood, “Help Me Believe” takes on the other side, expressing the wistful yearning to go back to a simpler faith, one not tormented by the need to know why. It’s a heartfelt plea to return to a time when it was easier to take God at His word. In our search for a stronger faith that overcomes hard questions, we come to the point of recognizing that the faith we had as children would actually be wiser. Others’ ideas can easily cause a fragile belief to topple, but clinging to a sweet simplicity can help us hold on to faith.
wide-eyed with wonder
/ “Wonder & Awe” (MercyMe)
Was there ever a time when you thought you could fly? This song takes you back to the time when you thought anything was possible. Then it shows us how we grow up by going down in humility so we can fly high in faith and soar with freedom. Childlike faith rids us of our inhibitions and frees us to go running to Jesus.
/ “Everything in Awe” (Sidewalk Prophets)
“Everything in Awe” begins with a glimpse of God’s awe-inspiring creation, then turns our eyes to the Creator of it all. As we quiet our hearts before the Maker of the universe, who is far greater than everything we can see, we can’t help but wonder: if the world He made is so amazing, how much greater is the one who made it? How much more wonder should we feel in His presence? As we ponder His greatness, it awakens our souls to wonder and takes us to another level of amazement. Filled with a sense of smallness, our hearts bow before Him in awe.
filled with joy
/ “Lightning” (The Afters)
This song pulses with the joy that comes as we celebrate the freedom we’ve found after God’s love crashed into our lives like a storm, shattering the chains of fear. We know that there will be days of darkness and struggle, but God’s goodness remains, and the memory of the change He made in our lives gives us confidence to carry on, assured of His grace. His joy, peace, and love have settled into us, soaking deep into our souls like refreshing rain.
/ “This Good Day” (Fernando Ortega)
This is a fun and upbeat anthem celebrating God’s light and love shining through His creation, showing up everywhere we see (and in what we hear and feel). It doesn’t talk directly about childlike faith, but instead shows what it can sound like, flowing from a heart filled with faith and trust. Even when storms come, we know that our God has prepared the way, and each day is a gift from Him. He’s in control. So we can be carefree and glad to place our lives in His hands.
/ “Grace Got You” (MercyMe)
This is one of those songs that makes me smile as soon as I hear the first few perky notes. It’s filled with the ease and joy that knowing God’s grace brings. Once you realize the greatness of this gift you’ve been given, you can’t help but live differently—walking a little lighter, singing a little louder, and maybe even dancing along the way. Circumstances can’t change the truth that you’re covered by God’s grace. That’s reason to celebrate, don’t you think?
As usual, you can find the link for today’s playlist below:
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