ForgottenWoman

Earthly Fathers / Our Heavenly Father

This morning, as I was going about my ‘duties’ that included starting the laundry, taking out the trash, washing the dishes, and organizing the pantry a bit, my heart and mind were running wild – literally in so many directions, and I knew that I was bordering on an emotional breakdown. I began to ask myself a question. And now, I want to ask you the same thing!

My faith in The Almighty God, Who knows all, sees all, understands all, and can handle all is strong. At least, I tend to think it’s strong. Not only have I come to the point in my life that I gave my heart to Him, but over the years I’ve seen Him work in my life and in the lives of others, and my faith has grown. There have been points in my life that could be described in no other way than desperation, and He was the only answer. And He has proven to be faithful in my life: faithful to never leave me or forsake me, faithful to comfort me, faithful to provide shelter and food for me, faithful.

You know, I would even say that I believe that God is always at work in our lives – even when we cannot see His hand, even when we cannot see His work, and even when we have no idea what He may be doing. I really do believe that.

So, what is the question that I’m wrestling with today? The question that I’m now asking you to consider for yourself as well? Yes, I generally believe or believe generally that God is almighty, that He loves me, that He cares about the details of my life, that He is working in my circumstances… I believe this in a general sense for sure! But do I believe that on THIS day, at THIS time, in THIS moment and in THIS situation that He cares enough to reach in and work on MY behalf? Do I really believe this? Do I really believe that He sees my heart and mind and the swirling fears that are chaotically seeking to rule my day – and that He not only sees but that He WILL step in on my behalf?

Did that very wordy question confuse you or are you with me? I’m basically acknowledging that while I do believe in the power of Almighty God and I believe in a general sense that He loves and cares for all of His children, I find myself wishing that my father (the one who had skin on) was present in my daily life today. I wish that he was here, aware of everything that causes my heart to feel burdened, that he was here to listen to me express my needs and desires. Why? Because I know that he would walk with me through all of it. He would take me by the hand and laugh at my irrational fears, and his eyes would glisten with tears over my real pain. He would find ways to help me with the practical burdens of life that make it feel unbearable – in other words, He would take care of it for me, treating me as his daughter, whom he always sought to protect and provide safety for. That’s what my dad with skin on would do, and I know that without a single doubt.

So – why do I question what my Heavenly Father – the One with ALL of the power in the world to be my Father – will do? Why do I wonder if His love matches that of my earthly father? Why do I doubt that He is working in TODAY’s circumstances for me? I rationalize my doubts well. I say, “But Almighty God has way bigger things to deal with than my piddly life!” “But Almighty God has millions of children to look after!” “But Almighty God knows that I don’t really deserve His working in my life.”

Well, that’s my transparent heart this morning. And now, I’m going to share with you what I’m doing about it, just in case someone reading this is struggling in similar ways. Anytime my heart and mind are running wild with burdensome thoughts that are false, that are pulling me toward discouragement and depression, I MUST replace those thoughts with truth. And where do I find truth? I find truth in God’s Word.

God’s Word says that He is the Father to the fatherless and the husband to the widow. God’s Word says that when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us! God’s Word says that He will provide for ALL of my needs. God’s Word says that He is tender and compassionate, like a Father to His children. God’s Word says that He knows what I need before I even ask Him. God’s Word says that I am far more valuable than the birds that He provides every need for. God’s Word says that He knows how to give good gifts to His children much more than my earthly father did. God’s Word says that He is the source of all comfort. … These are just a few of the truths that I’m reminding myself of this morning.

So, today, as I acknowledge where my faith falters, I also pray that this will be an opportunity for me to strengthen my faith and deepen my trust in Who God is and what He says about His position as my Father. I was blessed with an incredible earthly father whom I never doubted and could always trust. How much more should I be able to place my complete trust and faith in my Heavenly Father, Who tells me Himself through His Word that He loves me, that He hears me, that He sees me… that my tears that flow when I’m overwhelmed with life do not go unnoticed. And not only that, but He IS at work at THIS moment, in THESE circumstances, on MY behalf. Now, that’s something worth sharing!!

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