God plays so many roles in our lives. Creator, King, Lord, Judge, Shepherd, Saviour and many more. Of all of these roles, Father has been the most difficult for me to embrace and accept. I think it’s because the role of Father brings with it power and authority, while also embodying a human and relational aspect. It’s a role that instantly brings God closer to each of us. Recognizing God as our Father means we can’t ignore Him or consider Him irrelevant in our lives. We all have an earthly father and in some cases, we may even be fathers ourselves, which immediately brings meaning to the important life role. He created us, He understands us, He loves us more than we can imagine. No matter what we do, or how we behave, He still loves us. We can’t hide. Now that can be frightening.
In my life, I have made some poor choices that have really challenged my relationship with God. I grew up appreciating God as King, Judge, Lord, but not really as Father. I didn’t give myself permission to be vulnerable in His arms. But now, after having been broken and witnessing how my life has impacted others, I have come back to my heavenly Father and wake up each morning looking forward to spending time with Him.
February 11, 2008 at 11:56 pm |
God as our father means someone we can come to when we need help and we can trust Him. God as our father means that he is always connect to us and will never leave us. God as our father means His love is unconditional. He knows all, sees all and wants to be a part of our daily lives…we just have to let Him.
February 12, 2008 at 12:14 am |
If you have had a healthy relationship with your father on earth, does this make it easier to see God as a father? If so, what words of experience or support could you give to someone who has not had a positive relationship with their father, and as a result, has struggled to have a close fatherly relationship with God?
February 12, 2008 at 12:24 am |
I believe it would be easier to understand God as a father…if one has had a positive personal relationship with their father on earth. I also believe that people may have varying views of what a father is because of their experiences with their father here on earth. The difference between a father on earth and our father in heaven is that our father in Heaven is perfect. He knows the number of hairs on our head. He created our inmost being. He knit us together in our mother’s womb. Therefore, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I’d suggest reading scripture or if you don’t know exactly where to look, get online and search keywords related to scripture. The Bible has all of the answers we need.
God will not harm us. Fear is of Satan and love is of God. Darkness is of Satan and light is of God. Our father in heaven is like a best friend. He listens to us and takes care of us. He gives us strength in times of need. I have been through some very difficult times at a young age and would not have made it where I am today without my faith in my father, God.
February 12, 2008 at 12:37 am |
Well said Stephanie. It’s incredible to think of God as our creator, and at the same time, someone who is intimately involved and interested in our lives and well-being.
I certainly agree there are many scriptural references that we can share with those that are struggling, and I pray that we each have the courage to share those messages of hope and love with others in our lives.