June 15, 2018
You Have a Daddy Who Loves You
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV).
Friend to Friend
When I was a little girl, my father spent most of his waking hours working at his building supply company, observing construction sites, or socializing with his colleagues and associates. Even though his place of business was only a few blocks from our home, his heart was miles away in a place I could not find. My father didn’t drink alcohol every day, but when he did, it consumed him. He was filled with a rage that always seemed to be simmering just beneath the surface of his tough skin. But when he drank, that lava of rage erupted out onto those around him.
As a child, many nights I crawled into bed, pulled the covers tightly under my chin or over my head, and prayed that I would hurry and fall asleep to shut out the noise of my parents fighting. Occasionally I’d tiptoe over to my pink ballerina jewelry box, wind up the music key in the back, and try to focus on the tinkling sound that came as the ballerina twirled with arms overhead.
I was afraid of my father. Even when he was sober, I kept my distance.
At the same time, I observed how other daddies cherished their little girls. I saw them cuddle them in their laps, hold their hands while walking in the park, or kiss their cheeks as they dropped them off at school in the mornings. Deep in my heart, a dream was birthed. I dreamed that one day I would have a daddy who loved me—not because I was pretty or made good grades or could play the piano well, but just because I was his.
In the Old Testament, God has many names, but in the New Testament, Jesus used the name “Father” more than any other. It’s the name He invites us to use to address the Creator of the universe. Think about that for a moment. The God of all creation, who always has been and always will be, who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere at once—that same God invites you to call Him Daddy! He said, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:18).
For many, the idea of God being their father may not be a pleasant one. We tend to project our experiences with our earthly fathers onto our expectations of our heavenly Father. Some never knew their earthly fathers, some had abusive fathers, some were deserted by their fathers, some had loving and endearing fathers, and some lost their fathers because of sickness or catastrophe. But even the best earthly fathers have feet of clay and will disappoint their children.
No matter what your experience has been with your earthly father, the truth is your heavenly Father is the perfect parent who loves you, cares for your every need, is interested in all you do, skillfully guides you, wisely trains you, never deserts you, generously supplies for your needs, is always available to you, and cherishes you as His precious child. God loves you with an everlasting love. He is especially fond of you.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and making me Your child. Today, I’m just going to savor that one precious truth.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read the following verses about being God’s child.
What does it mean to you to know that God is Your Father?
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Originally published Friday, 15 June 2018.
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