Bible Basics: Knowing GodSample

God the Father

By Lené Jonck

It’s wonderful to consider that God is both Father and Creator. If God were only a Creator without the essence of a Father, we might think of ourselves as automations or tools, only existing to fulfil a function. We’d be instruments in the hands of an immense, potentially aloof Being, possessing value but perhaps lacking in love. And if God were only a Father and not the Creator, our lives might be cherished but may seem accidentally formed, lacking in purpose.Our knowledge of God as Father and Creator influences our identity: we’re beloved, and we get to live meaningful lives.

If we’ve had any negative experiences with our earthly fathers, we often project these onto God, seeing Him through the lens of past hurts and power abuse. If that’s you, please draw near to your Heavenly Father. He’s perfect in every way and loves you more than you can possibly imagine.

God is not just the perfect Father. As Creator, He’s the originator and owner of our lives, and our purpose is to spend our lives worshiping Him. Each of us is intricately crafted as part of God’s grand design. He envisioned us before we took form. Our days are significant and filled with good works, even if we can’t comprehend their role in the broader scope of human history. What’s more, He brings order to chaos. We live in a broken world, but God has the power to create from destruction, and resurrect from death.

In Revelation, we get a picture of God as powerful Creator and loving Father. One day, He’ll make all things new and dwell with us, His beloved children. He’s the Alpha and the Omega – the initiator and completer of all things. You can call on Him if there’s an area of your life in which you need Him to powerfully kickstart something or lovingly resolve something.

Jesus gave us an analogy to help us understand the loving heart of the Father. Earthly fathers, though flawed, generally want to provide for their children, and children generally trust their fathers to do so. How much more do you think your perfect, powerful, loving, and generous Heavenly Father will provide for your needs? Jesus’ explanation underscores our vulnerable position in the universe and our profound need for the Father. The actions of asking, seeking, and knocking symbolize our pursuit of the things we lack. Like children, we seek because we don’t have. If you have particular needs at the moment that your earthly parents or others can’t meet, take your requests to God.

Maybe your life right now seems hopeless and beyond repair. Take courage: your Creator can redeem and restore even the most painful situations. And take courage because even if you’ve lost your way, through Jesus you can find your way back to your compassionate Father. He provides for you and loves you unendingly, no matter how much you might have messed up, and He will never abandon you.