As we approach Father’s Day this Sunday, may I encourage dads with a reminder of some of the joys of this God-enabled blessing of fatherhood?
1. You are married to your children’s mother!
Yes, parenting presents it own level of demands and change, but you married your wife not your children. As you navigate through parenting, you have the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your sweetheart that will carry you on once the children are gone (Proverbs 5:18-19). May our children desire a joy-filled marriage because they have observed it in their home!
2. You have a great example of genuine fatherhood in your Heavenly Father!
As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14). Oh, the compassion, love, kindness, tenderness and pity that God, our Heavenly Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, has on us, His children. That love was so demonstrated by His Son dying for us (Romans 5:8) whereby we are adopted into the family of God forever (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5; 2:19). We become children of God at the point of salvation by trusting in Christ alone (John 1:12; 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Yes, there are times when being a dad is difficult such as when we have to deal with our children’s old sin nature (as well as our own) and their selfish choices, but oh, that we are known more for being tender, kind, compassionate, loving and full of pity as our Heavenly Father is to us!
3. You are not alone in this journey!
Jesus words to his disciples are applicable to you, dad. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Christ in you (John 14:20-21; Colossians 1:27) will enable you to fulfill whatever He calls you to do (2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:13; James 4:6-10).
4. You have the joy of praying for your children!
Your children do not belong to you, they are a heritage from the LORD (Psalm 127:3). He created them and knows what is best for them. Dad, the best place to raise your children is on your knees! There you access to the your Heavenly Father (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:19); you have access to transcendent knowledge and wisdom (James 1:5; 3:17); you have access to the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16); you have access to He Who is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, just, righteous, holy, faithful, true, and merciful. He will always lead you in righteous paths (Psalm 18:30; 23:3).
Dads, you may be in a situation that has little joy. Your Heavenly Father has not forsaken you (Hebrews 13:5-6). He knows your need, and His grace is more than enough (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Submit to Him right now and live in hope (1 Peter 1:3-5). Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7)
For all of us dads, if we are born again children of God, before this Sunday, soak your soul in Psalm 103, and Bless the Lord!! Let Him be your joy!!
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