The Faithful Father

 

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:7-14 ESV).

 

The phrase "God is a faithful father" reflects a core tenet of our belief as Christians. The Scripture describes God as a loving, trustworthy, and dependable parent who is consistent in His character and promises. This concept highlights God's unwavering support, kindness, and justice, offering believers a secure foundation and hope. Just as many earthly fathers provide, God is seen as guiding, caring for, and fulfilling His word for His children, making Him a source of profound solace and strength.

 

I am aware that, unfortunately, not everyone has had a positive experience with their father. Some have experienced abandonment from fathers who have walked out on their families, offering only neglect instead of care. Some children have never met their fathers. Or, worse, some wish they had never met them. Sadly, our world is plagued with poor examples of fathers, men who abandon, neglect, or abuse their families. If this is your experience, it may make it difficult to accept God as a faithful Father.

 

But God’s faithfulness far exceeds that of even the best parents. Even if our father and mother forsake us, the Lord will not. Our Father God is the perfect Father. He fills a painful vacuum of love for all whose earthly fathers have forsaken them. God’s intention in calling himself Father is to reveal his heart’s desire to have a real relationship with you, his child. He loves you in a way that no human has ever loved you, with ferocity and faithfulness that no human love can match.

 

It also gives all of us who have children an incredible example of how we should relate to them. I cannot imagine a greater gift than family. It is my personal treasure and while I have not been as perfect as I would have wanted to be, that doesn’t change the truth of my desire to be. It also doesn’t change the perfection I have experienced from my heavenly Father! As the psalmist writes… I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (v. 14).