When You Need a Faithful Father
What comes to your mind when I say the word “father”? To me, my father meant many different things. He was my example, my favorite funny man with all his puns and fun with words, my mother's husband and my dream of what a husband should be, my role model, my math helper when I was stuck, my hero, my advice giver, my teacher, my supporter, my unwavering beacon and where to go when I needed comfort. From him I received my love of travel, my interest in rock collecting, and the sharing of his love of favorite authors that became my own. We shared special things that were only special to the two of us. He liked roadside markers of special historical events, so I was always quick to inform him that there was a "prehistorical" marker ahead! And in our traveling, there were often signs of information about antique stores, but it was a fun game to play with him—his continued correcting of my reading the word as an-t-ki-es and him saying an-te-qus until we nearly drove my mother crazy! So much of what was and is me was from him.
At one time, I would have responded with two words: “provider” and “savior.” That’s how I’d describe my Daddy. He was a consistent father, working hard to provide for me and my three brothers. But while working so much, he still had the time to be my father, my Daddy! I always knew I was Daddy's little girl—no matter how old I grew to be. He almost always welcomed us to join him wherever his duties lead him for the day. If we could, we stayed nearby where we could watch him at his duties. We knew that our questions would be answered and that we were not in the way. And even more important, I always felt safe knowing that my father would always take care of us. He was our savior and spiritual teacher and was a proper representative of our Heavenly Savior.
As I grew up, this concept of fatherhood often transferred to how I pictured my heavenly Father. While I chose to trust Jesus as my Savior, I often didn’t know or completely understand God as the loving, flawless Father He is. Thankfully, scriptures helped me to come to understand Him: “How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7). Just as baby chicks feel safe under their mother hen's wings, I felt safe in the arms of my Daddy. I can understand the safety that God also offers me!!
The deepest love I had for my father has led me on another journey to find another Father. Eventually I came to see God had all the time in the world for his sons and daughters, and He has time for me. He isn’t bothered by me, and I don’t have to be at my best when I come to Him! And my own father always had time for me. He instilled in me what he expected of me—always do my best, live up to what he expected in behavior and family rules, and maintain the good family name and go to church! I knew that he expected the best and I willingly gave it—most of the time. I'm sure that there were times of discipline, but my memories are not of the discipline but only of the love. How great it will be to only have memories of what I want to remember that I did for my Other Father! Sadly, I know that He has had to discipline me as I am included in as one of those "all have sinned" people. I am so glad that I will have no memories of the discipline and remember only the love and care and safety that God my Father has given to me.
Jesus tells us that when we see Him, we also see the Father (John 14:9). In Mark 10, Jesus surrounded Himself with little children, tenderly modeling His Father’s kind, nurturing, vulnerable and present love. Sometimes children can be messy or germy with runny noses—but if these children were, Jesus wasn’t bothered. “And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:16, NIV). I know from hearing stories that when I was very young, I could interrupt an after lunch "father nap" without being told to leave him alone! He often took a nap lying on the living room floor. From the time I learned to crawl and then to walk, I have been told that I loved to find him resting—on the floor—and it seemed like an invitation for me to join him by crawling on him and over him and even sitting on his chest and on his head. I was never pushed aside, and I even told him, "It will be aw'right Daddy!" And it always was aw'right! And how wonderful to know that Father God can make everything I do aw'right!
Psalm 139:5 similarly says, “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head” (NLT). This is the tender, compassionate and attentive love I want to know more deeply. Learning of scripture verses that show the fatherly heart of God created a desire to be near Him, just as I always wanted to be where my daddy was. I wanted to be where he was and was constantly seeking him out whenever I could. You could definitely say I was Daddy's Little Girl. As I draw close to Father God, God’s fatherly love begins healing my heart wounds. Several years ago I was mentally and heart wounded and couldn't find God—anywhere. I feared that I had forever lost Him. But little by little I realized He had been there all along—I just needed to open my eyes and find Him. He hadn't left my side—I just needed to open my eyes and see him through my tears. He was still there, staying right by my side. Understanding the whole heart of God began filling the hole in my heart. When I saw Him not with a magnifying glass constantly looking for my wrongs but as Love Himself, to heal and set my heart free. I began to see my Abba Father, Papa, Daddy (Mark 14:36) as trustworthy for my today and my future.
There is much to learn about the comparison of earthly fathers with the Heavenly Father.
Earthly fathers are known for unconditional love, guidance, protection, support through life's trials, presence, offers of comfort, wisdom, and teaching as we forge our own path in life.
The Heavenly Father transcends earthly limitations beyond our comprehension. He is solace in tribulation and joy in triumphs. He anchors us now and into endless eternity.
Earthly fathers are tangible and constant givers of care and support.
Heavenly Father's love surpasses human understanding; brings peace, purpose and comfort in all circumstances and remains unwavering and pure, guiding through all our challenges.
Both our earthly and our Heavenly Father shape our identities and remind us that we are cherished and unconditionally loved. Though—we do not live in a perfect world and sometimes our earthly fathers do offer us disappointment when they fail to live up to the example they should be in each daughter and son's lives. We can be so thankful that we have a Heavenly Father to look to for guidance and love.
As we learn more about Father God and draw near to Him, we’ll find He is more kind and loving than you ever imagined, no matter how much we might think our earthly fathers are kind and loving. Soaking in His Scripture Words can correct any misconceptions you and I may have of what a father is.
Does this mean He gives me everything I want? Not exactly. A good father/Father only gives what He knows is best for His child (James 1:17). He does give us unconditional love—both when we get things right and even when we sin. This is the fatherly heart of God, whose love is flowing continually toward you and me, perfect and unrestricted. I once pleaded for God to give me what I thought I wanted, what I thought He wanted for me. The answer I got was a strong "No, that is not my plan, that is not what is best for you. Try out my way and see if it is not a better way for you right now!" As I learn more about God and draw near to Him, I'll find He is more kind and loving than I ever imagined .
Both fathers can be sources of love, guidance, and support, but in different ways.
Heavenly Father: In many religions, particularly Christianity, God is referred to as the Heavenly Father. This concept often emphasizes God's love, care, and provision for his children. God is seen as a source of strength, guidance, and ultimate protection. Some believers find comfort and a sense of belonging in the relationship with God as Father, even when their earthly father is absent or has failed them.
Earthly Father: An earthly father is a human being, typically the male parent or legal guardian of a child. Earthly fathers play a crucial role in a child's life, providing physical, emotional, and financial support. They guide their children, teach them values, and help them navigate the world. While earthly fathers can be flawed or absent, they can still serve as a model for God's fatherhood. Some believers see earthly fathers as reflections of God's attributes of love, care, and provision.
When I read my Bible, I read several stories about fathers and their examples for us to learn from. The story of the prodigal son reflects the profound love of both earthly and Heavenly fathers. It shows enduring Love in spite of the child's imperfect behavior and shows both fathers give acceptance and forgiveness to each and all of their children!
Moses was an imperfect Father. He had children of his own and also a multitude of children that he led to the Promised Land. He was chosen by God but still had doubts and no confidence in himself and his leadership skill. He felt inadequate, unsure, and with doubts. But God assured him that he was never alone. And that should be encouraging to all fathers, even first-time fathers..
Abraham and Isaac had a unique father-son relationship. This story highlights the difference between the imperfect nature of earthly fathers and the perfect love and provision of the Heavenly Father. He has the willingness to provide beyond, way beyond, our expectations. The fact that God can and will provide way beyond my wildest expectations is a wonderful thought! I look forward to meeting my Heavenly Father very very soon!
Heavenly Father, thank You for drawing me to Yourself, pulling me close to a place where my wounded heart is safe and can receive Your care and healing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I need my Father!!! My Abba!