Truths Of a Father

Father's Day has come and gone, and we had a great one doing Frank's favorite thing: nothing! Just hanging with family, eating BBQ and relaxing. My introvert spouse's dream. 

I was thinking today about fathers....the ones we have either biologically or father figures....and how they can make or break who we are. There are plenty of people reading this who might not enjoy Father's Day because of hurt caused by a father, or perhaps an altogether absence. 

I have learned a lot about the character of our Heavenly Father in the past year and have gathered some thoughts. While this is all just unimpressive theology 101, perhaps it will encourage someone in the way it encourages me when my heart remembers. 

- God is not a liar. We have his word and it does not change.

- God is a safe place. He doesn't leave us alone to "figure it out" and He doesn't rejoice in our failings. 

- God loves unconditionally. We screw up and test those conditions but we cannot change the end reaction. Because no conditions exist. 

- God does not hurt us. Human will is a crazy, tragic thing. God is a Daddy who will never harm. He doesn't beat, mock, abuse, taunt, tempt, deceive, betray.

- God is proud of us. He takes delight in us. We are all his favorite child and His pride knows no bounds. 

- God's love is deep. Deeper than we can fathom. 

- God holds no loyalty to darkness. He does not exist in fear of shame. He floods out these things with His incredible light. 

- God is patient. He waits when we are slow. He loves and remains after we realize we've run too far ahead. He surrounds us with His good and does not snatch it away when we have spent time with things that oppose Him. 

God is a Daddy. He is not a man sporting a paper mâché tie or puff painted boxer shorts every June. He doesn't spend weekends working on the car or watching the game. But he purposely presented Himself as a FATHER so we could truly understand the depth and loyalty of His love! 

If your earthly father, another relative, a pastor or another male figure has ever driven you away from the very thought of a "father," take heart.....God can restore. He's the ultimate handyman dad and you're his favorite weekend project. 

Fathers should not bring fear, pain or grief. Which is exactly why our Heavenly Father presents himself as a loving "Abba" and does so through an endless supply of safety, healing and joy. As much as we need. Take it.