God

God

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

Psalm 68:5

The Bible teaches us that when we put our faith in God, we become children of God, and God is our Father. The dictionary defines a father as a man who begets, raises, or nurtures a child, and God is faithful to do all of that for us. He created us, gives us his nature, provides for us, and loves us deeply. Some women, myself included, have gratefully experienced those things from their earthly father; but sadly, not every woman’s father has lovingly raised or nurtured her. Some women have experienced their father’s death, abandonment, or abuse.

It is challenging for these women to understand the God of the Bible. But since injustices, large or small, cross all our paths from time to time, we are wise to realize that God’s Word, not our own package of life experiences, must frame our faith.

Michael Horton writes, “While in practice we cannot help but be influenced in our views of God’s fatherhood by our earthly experiences, the Good Father can heal our broken images.”^a

Reading God’s Word helps us see that we can run to God confidently because he is our faithful Father. (If you struggle with understanding God’s father-love for you, reading John 10:1-30 may give you hope and encouragement.)

Father,

Thank you that as we read your Word, it frames our faith and helps us to understand what a wonderful Father you are to us. Amen.