“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 ESV
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! We honor you today as you strive to make a difference in the lives of your children! Your dedication and love are not just noticed; they are deeply appreciated.
Now, more than ever before, strong relationships between fathers and their children are badly needed. Boys desperately need to experience the positive role models found in their fathers. It is sad to see so many young boys without proper direction in their lives due to an absent father. They may have lost their dad due to death or abandonment, may have never had a father figure in the home, or are lacking a father for other reasons, thereby creating a vacuum in the family. In many cases, if children are fortunate enough to have a supportive community, such as grandparents to come alongside them and help fill the void left by an absent dad, they will surely benefit.
Girls equally need the love and security that a father brings to the family. When I was growing up, people didn’t seem to show much affection to one another, but from all that I’ve read—from talking to friends who have experienced a less-than-perfect childhood and based on my own experiences, I believe that fatherly love, involvement, and affection are the greatest needs a little child has. This type of love is not conditional; it is not based on performance or circumstances but is a constant, unwavering presence in a child’s life, thereby providing a greater sense of security. It is a love that is always there, making it special and comforting; a love that wraps a child like a warm blanket, assuring them they are safe and cherished. I believe this is what a child needs more than anything else.
Let us not forget the many moms who daily strive to handle the dual roles of mother and father. Single moms, I was where you are many years ago. At a young age and with a three-year-old child to care for, I experienced the struggles that arose from having to be a mother and father to my little daughter. During those hard years, I found the key to surviving was to lean into my faith and the support of my family and friends. Today, I understand the load you carry. Please be assured that you are never forgotten. Be encouraged that you are making a difference in your children’s lives. Believe in your resilience and strength, for one day you will see that your struggles served a much higher purpose than you realized. Trust that God has a good plan and is giving you an added measure of His strength and perseverance. While your circumstances may be hard right now, you can walk in faith, knowing you have a perfect Heavenly Father. He is the only One who will never let you down and will show you the love, affection, and peace you need. His unconditional love is shown throughout His Word and will be manifested by how He works in your life. He will always show Himself trustworthy and even send His love to you through others. He is just so good like that! Remember, your worth and identity come from a much higher source: God and His great love for you.
Dads, grandparents, mothers, and all who serve in dual roles, I pray that you all have a great day filled with precious memories because a day exactly like this one will never come again. May you always be found as men and women who are living a life of faith and integrity before the children God has entrusted to your care.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how wonderful it is to sense Your love and care. Thank you, Jesus, for Your great sacrifice. Now, Father, please bless all dads, grandfathers, and the many moms serving the dual role of mother and father. Help them to focus their lives on You in such a way that they will have a significant impact for good on their children. Give them the wisdom and strength to honor You in everything they think, say, and do. I also pray for those who have not had, or currently do not have, a pleasing relationship with their dad or other family members. It does not matter their ages; I pray that Your love and tender mercy will heal the scars left on their hearts. Please help them know they will always be safe in the gentle Shepherd’s arms. Help them to find in You a greater love than they could ever imagine. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
As you do most times, you hit the ball out of the park in this devotional blog. It is both encouraging and challenging, and it is so relevant to our age with so many broken homes, so many single parent homes, so many non-traditional homes. Satan has done some of his best work in destroying the God-ordained family as a man and woman taking the sacred vowels of marriage and working together through tough times and good, having children who are loved and raised up in the nurture of the Lord. And we, as a society, are reaping the results of “sowing to the wind”, seeing so many part-time fathers, overloaded single moms, and kids disgruntled with life itself by their early teen years. Your message offers hope to those who will read it and commit to the Lord and to each other to come back to the valued principle of father, mom, and children living together, working together, and thriving together following God’s prescription of how life was intended to be from the very beginning of time.