Rediscovering Childlike Faith

How a Simple Song Can Transform Your Walk with God

July 15, 2024  |  4 min read

Ally Veldhuisen

Ally Veldhuisen

I’ve been reminded a lot lately about what it means to have a childlike faith. When I’m reading to my 15-month-old son or singing with him, I’m often awestruck by the simplest messages. Have you sung “Jesus Loves Me” recently? It’s such a good reminder. Have you read “If Only I Had Green Nose” by Max Lucado? I find it quite convicting.

Reconnecting with these simple concepts makes me appreciate the simplicity of faith. Even the basics provide us with a lifetime of things to work towards.

Father walking with son through forest.

The Power of a Children's Song

One song in particular tugs on my heart every time I sing it to my son. (I actually cringe a little while I sing it, knowing that I could do a much better job of living out the words I’m singing.)

Here is the song, verse by verse, followed by some reflections:

Guarding Our Eyes

“O be careful little eyes what you see. O be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see.”

Do you already feel a little convicted? I’m glad I’m not the only one. You see, there’s just so much accessible to us these days. Netflix (and other platforms) normalizes many things that our “little eyes” would probably not give a second glance to if we sang through this song while we scroll through our viewing options. (Matthew 5:29-30)

Listening with Discernment

“O be careful little ears what you hear. O be careful little ears what you hear. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little ears what you hear.”

In a world of constant noise and information, we need to be selective about what we allow into our minds. We’re bombarded by voices, opinions, and ideas everywhere we turn. Are we filling our ears with gossip, negativity, and worldly values, or are we tuning in to God’s truth and wisdom? The content we consume shapes our thoughts and beliefs, so we must choose wisely. (Mark 4:23-24)

Speaking with Purpose

“O be careful little lips what you say. O be careful little lips what you say. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little lips what you say.”

Our words carry power—they can build up or tear down, heal or hurt. In our digital age, this extends beyond spoken words to what we type, text, or post online. Are we using our speech (in all its forms) to glorify God and encourage others? It’s good to be reminded to think before speaking, consider the weight of our words, and to use them for good. (James 3, Proverbs 21:23)

Honoring with Actions

“O be careful little hands what you do. O be careful little hands what you do. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little hands what you do.”

Are we using our hands to serve others and honor God? It’s easy to get swept up by the narrative of self-interest promoted in our culture. Our hands represent our deeds and actions, and this verse challenges us to consider not only the big decisions, but the small, everyday choices we make. Are your daily doings aligned with the world’s will, or God’s? (Mark 9:43-48)

Walking in God's Path

“O be careful little feet where you go. O be careful little feet where you go. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little feet where you go.”

Are the steps that we take leading us closer to or further from God? Where we go and the company we keep significantly influences our lives. Are we allowing God to direct our steps, or are we wandering into places that lead us away from Him? (Psalm 23)

Child playing with baking supplies.

Living Intentionally: A Biblical Perspective

Ephesians 5:15-20 seems to sum this song up well: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Our faith is not about grand gestures or deep theological understandings—it’s about the everyday choices we make with our eyes, ears, lips, hands, and feet.

The beauty of childlike faith lies in its simplicity and trust. Just as a child trusts their parent’s love and guidance, we’re called to trust in our Heavenly Father’s love and direction for our lives. He’s not on his tippy-toes waiting to catch us when we falter, but rather he’s “looking down in love”, desiring the best for us.

A Daily Reminder

So, as we sing this song, let it serve as a daily reminder to live intentionally, making choices that honor God in every aspect of life. And when we fall short (as we all do), let’s remember that our Father’s love never fails. He’s always there, ready to guide us back to the right path.

Dear Lord,

Guard our eyes, that we may see Your beauty in this world and avoid temptation.

Open our ears to hear Your wisdom and truth amidst the world’s noise. 

Guide our lips to speak words of love, encouragement, and praise. 

Bless our hands that they may serve others and do Your will. 

Direct our feet to walk in Your paths and lead us to where we’re needed most.

In all we see, hear, say, do, and everywhere we go, may we honor You and reflect Your love.

Help us live with the trust and simplicity of a child, always aware of Your loving presence.

Amen