“You and I, just as Jesus, have been given Father’s stamp of approval long before we ever accomplished anything in this life. You are His beloved, so, be loved.” ~ Leif Hetland
2 Corinthians 6:18 TPT
I think the greatest way to honor fathers on Father’s Day is to remind them to become children again. The role of a father is indispensable, vital and crucial to a child. And if it’s healthy, that role depicts a tiny grain of sand, a glimpse if you will, as to what God’s heart is like towards His children.
A child, on the other hand, gets to freely receive. He gets to romp and play, live loved, explore and make mistakes in the joy of knowing his father’s joy over him. It’s for that reason, my heart yearns to remind every father reading this of the pride and joy his Heavenly Daddy has for him…simply because he is.
A dad’s “job” on this earth is tough. He has numerous responsibilities; from providing for his family to caring for his home while guiding and spending time with his children. His hats are many. And rarely does a father get the recognition he deserves.
However, there is a love, honor and recognition that comes from Father God that is not based on anything you do. It’s an approval, affirmation and acceptance apart from your performance or accomplishments. It is not withdrawn when you fail. It is not held back in your weaknesses, addictions and disappointments.
It is all out unconditional. It is based on God’s Perfect Love for you because He is love. It is consistent and constant because of who He is. It is uninterrupted and unbroken because of what Jesus did on your behalf. It is always flowing into your heart because He made you, He likes you and He desires you. You are His child.
However, for many dads, it’s difficult to receive that recognition or unconditional love. For some, their relationship with their own earthly dad was not a fond one. Perhaps you were not given the love, affection and affirmation you needed to thrive in your own parenting. Perhaps your dad was absent, harsh or disconnected. And because of those experiences, maybe you are still feeing abandoned or unworthy. It’s possible you might still be trying to please your dad (and God) for his approval.
It’s because of those heart wounds, we often see God the Father in the same way we view our earthly fathers. But beloved, your Heavenly Father is everything you could ever dream a dad to be. He is ever present. He is tender, compassionate and always listening. He is happy. And He is happy with you. He loved you before you were you. He loves you so much He gave up His Beloved Son to wash you clean, make you new and bring you back home into His embrace now and forever.
He is the Father who for eons dreamed about the day you’d be born, so intricately woven together with all your personality traits and uniqueness. He’s the Father who waits for you day and night, longing for you to come, longing to hear your voice no matter what you’ve done or failed to do. He’s the Father who is yearning to see your heart turn towards Him so He can run at full speed to meet you where you are.
And in that moment, He is the Father who throws Himself on you in a passionate bear hug, lavishing daddy’s kisses on you. Like in the prodigal story (See Luke 15:11-32), your Papa isn’t listening to any confession speech! He knows you’re burdened with guilt, but your identity is found in Christ. So He proceeds to remind you that you are His Royal son robed in His righteousness, your feet are fitted with His Peace, worthy to stand in His Presence! He calls to His Heavenly host to start the party because His son came home; not to be a servant but a son of grace.
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20,21
You could say He’s the prodigal Dad. The One who extravagantly, unsparingly and freely gives us all we need and desire because of Jesus! (See Romans 8:32).
So today, my prayer for you, dad, is that as you come to your Abba (Aramaic for daddy, papa, dada) in childlike trust…no matter what’s gone down…no matter how you’re feeling…you would be overwhelmed with the Father’s Love.
May you feel, encounter and experience His desire for you. May your heart be touched with His gentleness and kindness. Whether you are a young dad or a great-grandfather, may you find joy and playfulness in His joy and pleasure for you. And may you begin to see your own children through Abba’s eyes.
“And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir.” Galatians 4:6,7
Give yourself a father’s day gift by listening to the powerful love letter from your Father below:
Blessed Father’s Day beloved!
Resting In His Love,
Annalee Reyes