The Good Father: Part 1

Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

Matthew 6:8

WHAT COMES TO YOUR MIND and heart when you hear the word father can define you for a lifetime. If your earthly father failed you, abandoned you, used you, hurt you, ignored you, failed to protect you, or exploited you, then you sustained a wound. That wound affects you in deep ways—especially in how you view God. It is natural that you would project onto your heavenly Father the attributes you saw in your earthly father.

Many men need to correct their deepest instincts about God the Father. He is the ideal Father. He doesn’t share any of the imperfections of your earthly father.

• He is an ever-present Father. He doesn’t abandon His children. He never becomes so preoccupied that He forgets where He put you. He never leaves you or forsakes you (Hebrews 13:5).
• He is a patient Father. God knows you are “only dust” (Psalm 103:14). Your weaknesses are no surprise to Him. He is “slow to anger” (Psalm 86:15, HCSB).
• He is a steady Father. Many earthly fathers are unpredictable. A child never knows whether “good dad” or “bad dad” will come walking through the door. Your earthly dad might have been fickle, moody, and changeable, but your heavenly Father has no bad days. “He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:17).

BOTTOM LINE

God is the Father you’ve always dreamed of. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you, and read the Scriptures with that goal in mind.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 103:1-18