“When we were young and truth was paramount, we were older then, and we lived a life without any doubt.”
These are simple, yet profound lyrics from Seal’s 1994 song, “Don’t Cry.” Although I enjoy his projects, what’s maddening is his decision not to make lyrics accessible. Thankfully, they are available now via digital streaming outlets.
The lushness of the music in this song only highlights the strength of these words. Every time I hear them I appreciate the simplicity of life. This is how children live.
Children don’t worry about food or shelter or clothing. Why? They have implicit trust and know their parents will take care of them. They believe their parents when they make a promise. Now, there’s a caveat. Some mothers and fathers renege their parental responsibilities. They view their children as obstacles to their life goals.
Unlike these parents, our heavenly Father is a good Father. He loves, guides, understands, and provides for His children. Jesus says in John 12-13, “But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”
Jesus says in Matthew 7:11, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.”
Our heavenly Father provides physical necessities. He also lavishly supplies what we need spiritually. The Apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:3-4, “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself using His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”
All our Heavenly Father asks is that we trust Him. It can becomes difficult for us adults because we crave control. Oftentimes, we forfeit the awe of His intervention.
A few years ago, I saw the movie, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” It’s set in 2005 and in my hometown of New Orleans shortly before Hurricane Katrina. Brad Pitt stars as the titular character born as an elderly man but ages into an infant.
Jesus often spoke in ways which are often considered logical paradoxes. His parables illustrate that greatness comes through servitude, freedom comes through commitment, and winning comes through losing. He says in Matthew 18:2-4, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
As we age, may we become forever young.
