If you ask most kids in church what they know about God, the answer is usually quick and confident:

“God created me.” or

“God loves me.”

And that’s wonderful. It’s true. It’s central to the gospel.

But if we’re honest, that’s often where the conversation stops.

Many kids today grow up knowing that God loves them, but they’re missing two things that Scripture constantly ties to a healthy relationship with Him:

God’s presence  

and  

God’s holiness

Without those two realities, faith can quietly become something distant and casual.

God becomes someone who loves us somewhere far away instead of the holy, living God who is actually with us right now.

And when kids don’t grow up aware of God’s presence, they also tend to miss the weight of His holiness. Not a scary holiness, but a beautiful reverence that shapes how we live.

Scripture shows us this connection again and again.

When Moses encountered God in the burning bush, the first instruction was to take off his sandals because the ground was holy.

Why?

Because God was there.

The presence of God made the moment holy.

The same pattern shows up throughout the Bible. When people become aware of God’s presence, their hearts naturally respond with reverence, humility, and awe.

And the amazing thing is this: through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, God’s presence isn’t limited to temples or mountains anymore.

God is with His people.

Which means our kids don’t just need to know that God loves them.

They need to learn that God is actually with them.

With them at school.  

With them on the playground or as they compete. 

With them when they make decisions.  

With them when they feel afraid or alone.

And when that awareness grows, something powerful happens.

Kids begin to live differently.

Not because they’re afraid of punishment.

But because they’re aware that the God who loves them is also right there with them.

So how do we help kids grow in that kind of awareness?

It doesn’t have to be complicated.

In fact, one of the simplest habits can make a huge difference.

Teach kids to start their day by turning their hearts toward God.

Before the phone.  

Before the noise of the day.  

Before the rush.

Before they even brush their teeth. 

Just something simple like this:

“Hey God.”

That’s it.

As soon as they wake up and become aware of the day beginning, they pause and acknowledge God.

“Hey God.”

It’s a small moment, but it does something important.

It reminds them:

God is here.  

God is near.  

God is part of my day.

Over time, that tiny habit helps kids learn to turn their hearts toward God not just in the morning, but all throughout the day.

Before a test.

Before responding to a friend.

When they feel frustrated.

When they feel grateful.

They learn that walking with God isn’t just something we talk about at church. It’s something we actually do in everyday life.

And this is where parents and the church work best together.

Children’s ministry can introduce the idea. We can model it, teach it, and talk about it.

But parents have the incredible opportunity to reinforce it in everyday moments.

Imagine what could happen if thousands of kids started their mornings the same way:

“Hey God. I know You’re with me today.”

A simple habit like that can quietly shape a lifetime of faith.

Because the goal isn’t just for kids to know information about God.

The goal is for them to walk with Him.

To grow up knowing that the God who created the universe loves them deeply, is with them always, and is worthy of their trust, their obedience, and their hearts.

That kind of awareness changes how a child lives.

And when kids learn to turn their hearts toward God early in life, it becomes something they carry with them long after childhood ends.

So parents and ministry leaders, here’s a simple challenge:

Teach the kids in your life to start the day by acknowledging God.

Not with a complicated prayer.

Just a simple turning of the heart.

“Hey God.”

Sometimes the smallest habits end up shaping the biggest faith.