A Father’s Child

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.

Proverbs 23:24 (NKJV)

The family is in trouble. People are giving up on lasting relationships, and the fallout is dramatically affecting children. Children often end up as pawns in divorce court and child-custody battles. Are you struggling in your marriage? Please, don’t give up. The quick fix of divorce is far from a quick fix.

Let me now speak to single women. When you consider a man to marry, be careful and prayerful. Are his attitudes and priorities the stuff that great fathers are made of? Is he a man of his word, is he kind, is he faithful, is he growing and desiring to become a godly man? I’m not talking about a perfect man—Adam was the last one, and that only lasted for a while. Take an honest look at his character flaws. Is he a drinker, is he selfish, does he get angry easily? Not only do all of these things affect your safety and happiness, but they will dramatically affect your children.

Consider what studies are now finding regarding the importance of a father to a daughter. Dr. Meg Meeker, author of the book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know, explains that the most important factor for girls growing up into confident, well-adjusted women is a strong father with conservative values. To have one is the best protection against eating disorders, failure in school, STDs, unwed pregnancy, and drug or alcohol abuse; and the best predictor of academic achievement, successful marriage, and a satisfying emotional life.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

What if your kids do not have a father in the home? Do you, as a woman, have a “father-shaped hole” in your own life? Are you destined to be just the product of a broken society? The truth is, ever since Adam and Eve fell, families have been at least somewhat dysfunctional. In Isaiah 49:15-16 God responds to your deep questions when you feel he has forgotten you. He says, “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”

One Year Bible Reading

Isaiah 37:1–38:22; Galatians 6:1-18; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 23:24