I grew up with my father present in my life. He was and is not perfect (he never will be), but I wouldn’t trade him for the world. He has always taken care of us, loved our mother well, taught us many things, and given us good advice. I am so grateful that God gave him to me and that he is still on this earth.
What is your relationship like with your father? Is he still living? Did he pass away? If he was present, was it only in a physical sense, but not emotionally and mentally? Was your relationship tumultuous and strained or completely non-existent? Many of us have deep father wounds and this isn’t limited to those of us who didn’t grow up with our fathers or who didn’t have the best relationship with them.
One of the most beautiful things about God is His triune nature and that we can know Him as our FATHER.
The first person of the trinity is God the Father. His role is electing His people to salvation, making us His children and lavishing His life on us.
Matthew 3:16-17 this is my son
The Father is God
John 6:27 - “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
Romans 1:7 - “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 1:1-2 - “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”
In Psalm 45:6-7 and Hebrews 1 8 through 9, the Son is distinct from the father. When Jesus speaks of the father about sending the Holy Spirit as a helper in John 14 16 through 17, this shows that he did not consider himself to be the father nor the Holy Spirit. There are various passages where the sun speaks and references the father and the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 4:16, 61: 1, Luke 4 14 through 19. When Jesus is being baptized in Matthew 3:16-17, God the Holy Spirit descends on God the Son of God the father says that Jesus is his beloved Son with whom he is well pleased.
Though the doctrine of submission exists within the trinity, it does not change the character of either person nor their deity. The Son submits to the Father and the Holy Spirit submits to the Son and the Father.
The Effects of Fathers
Anyone can be a father, but it takes so much more to be a GOOD one. I think one of the reasons it’s so hard for people to love and trust God is because of their relationship with their earthly father. It’s often the negative experiences that we have had with our fathers that affect how we see and interact with God.
If our father was not present in our lives at all, we see God as non-existent.
If our father was neglectful or abusive or super strict, we see God that way.
If our father was present only physically and we had to work to get his attention, we see God as distant or believe we have to work for his attention and love.
If our father was a good one, we may still have unrealistic expectations of God because He still is God and not a man.
The Heart & Character of The Father
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” 1 Corinthians 8:6
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." Psalm 103:13
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Psalm 3:11-12
"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” Psalm 68:5
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8
"And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
How Deep The Father’s Love For You!
“How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure.”
I know for some of us, because of our backgrounds, it’s hard to think of ourselves as wretches. It’s ok if you’re still trying to process that. Just remember that whatever you are still working through on your journey to holistic healing and wellness, especially when it comes to your father wounds, the Father sees you and He loves you. He is not like your earthly father; He is perfect. He will never disappoint, forget about, forsake, harm, nor abandon you.
Allow yourself to open up to grow in deeper intimacy with Him.
REFLECT & APPLY
1. How has your relationship with your earthly father affected your relationship with THE Father?
2. What other characteristics of the Father have you seen in Scripture or experienced?
3. What is God asking you do when it comes to your beliefs and relationship with Him?
