“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise” (Psalm 47:1,6,7).

Do you read encouragements like the one above and feel slightly awkward? Clap my hands? There was a time when clapping, praising, and excitement over life came easily to most of us—childhood.

What would it look like to return to the childlike faith that Jesus himself recommends to his serious adult followers: “He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:2,3). 

There are many good truths to be taken from Jesus’ words; one of them is an encouragement to leave adult pridefulness and cynicism behind. These postures are not worshipful and relegate the beautiful work of God to being unimportant. Rather, as children do, we can turn our eyes in appreciation to the One who gives good things and clap our hands with joy.

Take a walk or sit outside and see things with childlike appreciation. Notice shapes and colors, flowers and leaves, birds, insects; these were all made by our Creator-God. As you are able, begin to celebrate. God has made it, and it is good!