A Father's Love

While reading a devotion this morning it made think of my dad.  He passed away a few years ago.  It seems strange to realize that I won’t see him on this side of heaven anymore.  It also makes me wonder if I was a good daughter to him.  Was I too busy with my life that I didn’t consider his needs and wants?  Thoughts like that, at this time of life, are useless because there is nothing I can do about it now.  Dwelling on it could really put me in a depression.   But remembering it could help me remember to be more considerate of others in my life and not be so selfish.

I was the oldest sibling in my family and I was the first grandchild.  I was a daddy’s girl all the way.  I was loved and cherished.  I am not perfect and I did things I am not proud of but I never felt unloved by my dad.  Thinking about Fathers Day just around the corner, I realize how blessed I was.  My confidence comes from the love that I had growing up.  My small group coffee girls chuckle when I say I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t like me.  I’m so lovable!!

The love that I received while growing up, though, is nothing compared to the love of my heavenly Father.  My dad knew some of the things I did but God knows everything and still loves me.  My dad’s love makes it easy for me to accept God’s forgiveness.  It breaks my heart to think of you who have never felt that love, whether from an earthly dad or mom, husband, wife, sibling.  I have no idea how hard it is for you to accept love from God when you have never experienced it.

Even though I know I’m loved, reading about God’s love and protection for me fills my heart and mind and is such a comfort.  I need those reminders.  Zephaniah 3:17 says that God is the mighty warrior who saves.  He takes delight in us.  He will rejoice over us with singing.  We’re in a war for our souls and I need a mighty warrior to save me.  I can’t do it on my own.  Ephesians 2:4-5 says because of God’s great love for us, He has mercy on us, even when we were yet sinning against Him.  He has saved us by His grace.  There is absolutely nothing I can do to earn God’s love.  Jeremiah 31:3 says He has loved us with an everlasting love.  From beginning to end is His love.  Psalm 86:15 says God is a compassionate and gracious God slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.  Psalm 136:26 says God’s love never quits.  Romans 5:8 says that God showed His love for us that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us.

We may have different experiences with our earthly fathers but we all have the same heavenly father and He loves us, we can never make Him love us any more or any less.  His love is forever.