Man Up

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13

IN 2010, professors at Boston College headed up a fatherhood study called The New Dad: Exploring Fatherhood within a Career Context. Researchers interviewed college-educated, first-time fathers of young children. Based on interview data, they concluded that a father’s role is more than putting food on the table. A good dad also works hard to share the childcare and home-care responsibilities with his wife.

If you have children, you know that being a father is a 24/7 job. There’s little time off, and just when you think you’ve got it mastered, something happens that makes you doubt your abilities. God wants us to provide for our families, but He also wants us to be there for our children—supporting them emotionally and physically.

Some dads don’t have an earthly father whose example they can follow. But, as Christians, we all have a heavenly Father who’s worth emulating.

David writes, “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13). It’s natural for us to have compassion on our children. We understand our own children in special ways and want to keep them from pain. Sure, part of our role as dads is to guide and discipline our children. But just as our heavenly Father does for us, we need to unconditionally love, nurture, and be there for our kids.

BOTTOM LINE

Think of one way to connect with your children this week. Then do it!

Moment of Strength: Deuteronomy 1:30-31