Growing in HopeSample

God is Father

When Jesus was teaching His followers how to pray, He addressed God as “Father.” The concept of God being our Father helps us understand our relationship with Him. 

The first thing we should establish is that our “Father in heaven” is God. He is not your earthly father. Our heavenly Father is holy, loving, just, and merciful. It may be hard for you to think of God as your father, because your earthly father may have been absent or abusive in one way or another. 

It does not matter if you grew up with a wonderful, loving father or a father who was out of the picture or one who caused you and your family harm. The truth is that we have all been let down by our fathers to some degree, because they are human. They are sinners just like the rest of us. 

With God, it’s a whole different story. He has never sinned. He has no selfish motive. In fact, your Heavenly Father sacrificed His only begotten Son so that He could adopt you into His family. That is a Father you can trust! 

Here are some key truths we all need to know about our Heavenly Father:

Your Heavenly Father loves you. John 3:16

Your Heavenly Father provides for you.  Philippians 4:19

Your Heavenly Father disciplines you. Hebrews 12:6

Your Heavenly Father forgives you. Matthew 6:14-15, 1 John 1:9

Your Heavenly Father will never leave you or reject you! Deuteronomy 31:8

Do you find it difficult to think of God as your Father? Why or why not?

Are you willing to allow God to be your Heavenly Father?

Prayer:
Father, I thank You for sending Jesus, so that I can be Your child. I believe You are a good Father. Help me to know and trust You more. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me. Please heal my wounds. I love You, Father. I trust You. Amen.