Who God Is—and Who God Says We Are—in the Midst of Sufferingናሙና

Daddy Issues & Closed Hands

My entire life there was a lack of caring father figures. It was suggested I struggled in school and with my peers because I suffered from “daddy issues.”

Believing that this was my core problem, when I didn’t even know who God was, I asked Him for an earthly father, wholeheartedly believing and hoping a new and involved dad would solve my “issues.” In the midst of my continuous prayer that was years long, a million words deep, and countless amount of tears wide, God brought me into His presence.

My eyes and heart were opened, and I realized I had a Father. God was My Father.

God is a Father to the fatherless. He protects and loves us all along like no earthly father ever could.

Wanting a good dad isn’t wrong, of course, but I let go of the demand for one when I realized I was blessed with the Best Daddy of all time. Soon after I accepted God as My Father, I was emancipated out of the foster care system, which means I had no family I’d come back to.

However, I did have a track coach, Scott, who mentored me and stood in the gap as a father figure. Eventually, he asked me if I would like to be a part of his family and welcomed me into his home.

So often, we ask God for something we have always wanted with closed fists instead of open hands. In other words, God does not have a space or place to give us what we are asking for.

Our hands are closed to Him in defiance and fighting, thinking we know what is best.

But oftentimes, we just need to let go of what we thought we wanted, which gives us open hands to let God and His will in. Only then can we actually receive something.

Have you welcomed God to stand in your life as your Abba Father and Daddy?

What is it you are needing to let go of to receive what God has for you?