Who do you call when you’re in trouble? Who’s on speed dial when you get a flat tire or get locked out of your house? In my teenage years, the answer was easy. Call Dad. I may have feared his wrath when I totaled my car late one night, but I still called my dad to get me out of the jam. I knew he would come. I knew my father would somehow help me work through the consequences of my actions. He loved me. He’s gone now, but as the years have passed, I realize how much he influenced my relationship with the Father God. Although my dad had his imperfections (as we all do), he was a strong example of steadfast love even when I brought heartache to him through unwise choices. He could be stern, and yet, I never doubted his love for me. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 NIVGod’s love is unconditional.
My experience of a father’s unconditional love has made all the difference in how I live out my faith and relate to my Heavenly Father. He loves me. I am deeply confident that the Father God wants the best for me.
I know who to call when I am in trouble. I know He’s listening when I have failed miserably. He may discipline me – the Bible says the Lord disciplines those He loves – but I trust His heart. I know He will deal mercifully with me.
Have you experienced love like this?
I realize my experience may be completely different from yours. You may have never known a father’s love like mine. You may be struggling even to consider comparing your earthly father’s love to something from heaven.
Earthly fathers are fallible. They make mistakes. Often, they’re grappling with their own demons, addictions, or abuse. Even the best-intentioned fathers can be absent, distracted, or simply clueless in conveying their love to a son or daughter.
That doesn’t have to define your relationship with the Father God.
Jesus called Him Abba.
“‘Abba, Father,’he said,‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” Mark 14:36
When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying and wrestling with the crucifixion to come, Jesus called God “Abba,” which is similar to calling a father by the affectionate term “Daddy.”
You can have that same relationship of a child to her daddy, a daughter to her father. The Bible says that, as believers in Christ, we have received a spirit of adoption. We are His children, and we do not need to fear or question our Heavenly Father’s love.
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.And by him we cry,“Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-16
You can call Him Dad.
You are God’s child. You can call him your daddy, your ‘Abba.’ His love for you is unconditional, and He will ALWAYS be there for you.
You may have been abandoned, but God does not abandon His children.
“…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
You may have been maltreated or abused, but God cares for you!
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
You may feel like your sin is too great, but the Bible is full of stories of people who have been redeemed by the power of God.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
God’s love is greater than our mistakes and mess-ups. He is ever faithful, and He longs for you to return to Him.
Today can be new.
If you’ve suffered at the hands of an earthly father who was abusive or simply not there, my heart goes out to you. I’m sorry you’ve had to endure pain at the hands of someone who most probably was also in pain.
I pray your heart will open to the unconditional, unwavering, steadfast love of the Father. May you embrace hope and a deep confidence that God loves you and, like a good Father, wants the very best for your life.
Today can be new. Here’s a simple prayer to help you embrace the Father’s love.
Father, I come to You in need of a fresh understanding of who You are and Your love for me. I ask You to help my heart open to embrace Your unconditional love. I need You in my life. In Jesus name, amen.
