When we think about our earthly fathers, we may not have the best memories. If we didn’t experience love, affection, protection or provision from our fathers, it can be hard to trust that God, as our heavenly Father, will demonstrate all those things. If that’s been our childhood, we need to remember that our ‘father-image’ is flawed and doesn’t resemble God. Even the best earthly father can’t measure up to Him. He wants us to understand that He’s a caring, sensitive, generous, dependable, loving Father. That’s why Jesus taught us to call Him ‘Our Father,’ not just ‘Almighty God and Lord.’ Like a good father, God understands our needs and provides for us (take a look at Matthew 6:25-34). And just as a good parent recognises the unique characteristics of each of their children, He knows our distinctive personalities, gifts, thoughts, and feelings. ‘As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud’ (Psalm 103:13-14 MSG). He knows everything about us. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He knows our gifts and our fears. He knows our thoughts and our actions. He whole-heartedly loves us. He disciplines us like a parent, not because He is angry, but because He wants the best for us. ‘God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness’ (Hebrews 12:10 NIV). And like a loving father, He accepts and fulfils His responsibility to provide for us. It’s our role to act like the children of a trustworthy, generous, permanently-loving Father. Because that’s who we are. We’re children of an amazing Father who loves us more than we’ll ever know.

What Now?

Write a letter to God your Father. Tell Him all about your life at the moment, the good and the bad. Ask Him for what you need right now and thank Him for being the perfect Father.