“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” – Mathew 7:11 (NKJV)
Children’s and fathers’ experiences can be very different. Some fathers are constantly immersed in their lives and take great pleasure in their children. While some choose not to be involved, their children long to look up and say they saw their fathers cheering them on; alas, they cannot experience the interest a good father should demonstrate.
But there is an assurance you can have in allowing your heart to overflow in thanksgiving for a good heavenly Father. I implore you to never define your understanding of God’s interest and love for you based on your earthly father’s interest in you. Understand that though fathers may love their children, they are sometimes limited by their own background and personal experiences. Be comforted in the good news that God’s love is unhindered by any human experience or limitations.
God is a perfect Father. He treasures you, and He heals any pain caused by earthly fathers. You can count on Him as the Bible outlines; He cares and provides for our daily needs. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 6:25-34 that God cares for the birds and the flowers, and how more important we are to our heavenly Father than that. He really is a good Father!
God protects us. We know from Psalm 91:11 that God will command His angels concerning us to guard us in all our ways. What a reassurance of His protection.
Irrespective of our situation with our earthly father, we can boldly and confidently say we have a good heavenly Father Who loves us unconditionally. We never have to worry about outgrowing His love, care, protection, and provision.
So, even though we are called to honour our earthly fathers, always remember to honour your heavenly Father too.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, our hearts are full of love for You. Thank You for showing us Your love in so many ways. Forgive us for not always trusting Your love because of our earthly experiences. Father, we choose to experience You in a great way every day. We receive Your presence and rest in Your love, Oh God. We pray for this in Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Read: Psalm 103:13; Hebrews 12:7
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 5:21-30; Acts 16:16-40; I Kings 14:21-31; I Kings 15; I Kings 16:1-7