Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

~Psalm 27:10 NLT

I grew up without my biological father and had to learn that God is not a distant Father.

My father became uninvolved in my life before I turned two, and I didn’t see him again until I was twenty-six. Throughout his life, he struggled with substance abuse because of the pain he endured growing up. As a result, I lived most of my life without him.

For many years, I felt as if God were distant. My experience with my biological father directly influenced my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about my heavenly Father. Over time, I learned to separate my experiences with my earthly father from my view of God. It was then that I realized God was not a distant Father. He loved me much more and better than anyone else ever could.

Fathers play an essential role in our lives. Our experiences with our earthly fathers can muddle our views of God. When we learn how to separate these two views, we realize God is quite different from what we may have believed about Him.

Separating the lies we’ve believed from the truth of who God is makes all the difference. When we do, we realize God is so much better than any human being could ever be. He is the kind of father who is a mighty protector and a loving redeemer. He constantly watches over His children, stands up for their cause, and powerfully takes up their grievances. Our heavenly Father can do for us what no earthly father could ever do, no matter how amazing our dads are. He loves us better than anyone else ever could.

And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.

~2 Corinthians 6:18 ESV

Maybe you grew up knowing the most amazing dad. Then again, perhaps you did not. Maybe your experience lies somewhere between those two extremes. Regardless of your experience with your earthly father, God wants to be your true Father. When we turn to God and accept Him as our Father, God assumes the role of caring for us and meeting our needs in ways that only He can.

This Christmas, think of ways to know the truth about Father God’s deep love for you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me better than anyone ever could. Help me fully believe and accept that You are my mighty protector and loving redeemer. Thank You for constantly watching over me, standing up for my cause, and taking up my grievances in a powerful way. If there is anything I believe about You that isn’t true, show me so I can reconcile these feelings. I want to continue to learn the truth about Your true character. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: God is Not a Distant Father: Brandie J. Muncaster: All Rights Reserved