“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29 (NIV)
A good friend’s father abandoned the family when she was young. As a
result, she struggled relating to God as her Father. Another friend’s
dad was harsh and critical. It took years for her to feel
unconditionally loved by God.
As a young Christian, I was thankful I didn’t have major issues with my
father. Although my dad wasn’t a Christ-follower, he allowed my mom to
take me and my little sister to church. And though he never said, “I
love you” nor attended any of my school performances, I knew he loved me
in his own way. My father was a good man, hardworking and faithful to
his family. However, he was an uninvolved presence in my life.
So if I had a problem, I went to my mother. If I got into trouble, I
called my mother. When I wanted advice, well, you can guess whom I
called. This didn’t seem odd to me.
For years I congratulated myself on navigating my father’s distant
personality with minimal negative impact. I was deeply aware it could
have been worse, and I thanked God for a happy childhood. It wasn’t
until years later as an adult that I pushed a little deeper into
relating to God as my heavenly Father, based on my earthly experience.
Back then I’d heard everyone (even those with great dads) has some kind
of “father issue” with God because of their human (and inherently
sinful) earthly fathers. While I wanted to dismiss it, I decided to
revisit the topic. Could it be true for me? Was there something missing in my relationship with God?
As I dug deep, I discovered that although I was confident of God’s
love, I didn’t really trust Him to be there in times of trouble. Would He step in if I had a problem? Does God even care about me?
Every question revealed the same disturbing truth: I didn’t really, truly, deep in my heart, trust God. Believe in? Yes. Love? Yes. But ... trust? The words were easy to mouth, but my heart wasn’t singing the same tune.
This realization shed light on so many issues that hadn’t seemed
troublesome enough to address. Like why I had trouble praying for
myself. And why I had so much fear for myself and my children, or why I
neglected to seek God’s wisdom in decision-making.
Seems I really did have “father issues” that affected my intimacy with
God. I didn’t know what it was like to have a father to turn to in good
or bad times. But I wanted to learn.
I desperately wanted to know God as a perfect Father.
So as awkward as it felt, I made some changes.
I intentionally got more personal in prayer, even addressing God as “Dad.” (Mark 14:36) Faced with decisions, even small ones, I asked God for advice. (James 1:5)
And when fear started to well up, like when I navigated a fear of
flying, I declared, “I don’t trust the pilot, I don’t trust the mechanic
who tightened the bolts, I don’t trust the weather, I trust YOU!” (Psalm 91)
Little by little, my faith and trust grew. I took doubtful thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and intentionally exchanged them with thoughts that affirmed God’s trustworthiness to help in times of trouble.
I also took today’s key verse to heart: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29).
It took years to rewire my thinking with the truth about God’s ability
and willingness to be my heavenly Father. And honestly, I’m still a work
in progress.
When I slip back into my independent ways, I must choose to believe
what’s true: I have a Heavenly Father who wants to be my hero, champion,
protector and confidant -- if I’ll only let Him.
Dear heavenly Father,
You’re perfect in all Your ways. Your Word says You are a loving father,
and I long to know You that way. Only You know the gaps in our
relationship based on my imperfect understanding of You. Please reveal
them to me, and help me work through them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Rover's Spiritual Gifts
by Steve Phelps
Today's Verse...
Water
and Spirit — they track together as key components in conversion and
the new birth throughout the New Testament. One is an act of submission
and surrender. The other a gift and reminder that only God can make us
new by his power. No wonder Jesus made them so important to being a part
of his Kingdom.
My Prayer...
Holy and righteous Father. I acknowledge that my best efforts often fail and my consistency isn't always consistent. That's why I'm so thankful you have given me your grace in Jesus and made me new by my spiritual birth into your family. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@verseoftheday.com.
Today's Verse Illustrated
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