I’ve heard it said that a person’s view of God is based on their relationship with their dad. I’ve always had a respectful view of God. I trust him. I love him. He is the authority. Let me tell you why that is my impression of God.
My dad was always in charge. He was the leader of our family. He was the provider. The authoritarian. He was a tease. He had a great sense of humor. He had a great work ethic. He loved his work. He loved his family. He helped those in need.
My dad provided everything I needed. No. He didn’t give me everything I wanted. But I never went hungry. I was always clothed. He built our home. I was warm when I needed to be. I was cool when I needed to be.
My dad taught me to work. Whether I liked it or not, my dad handed out chores for his kids to do. Mowing the lawn. Weeding the garden. Cleaning the hog house. Working on the farm.
I saw my dad spending time with God every day. He would read his Bible before breakfast. He would lead our family in devotions every night before bed. He would pray for us. He would pray with us. My dad made sure his family spent time in God’s word every day.
My dad was always present. He was available when we needed him. Oh. He worked hard. He worked long hours. But he always took a Sabbath to rest and restore his spirit. He was in a noisy environment a lot of the day, so he wanted peace and quiet at home. That wasn’t easy with seven kids. But we knew that once he walked in the door, the piano practice time was over. The radio was turned off. He wanted to hear himself think.
My dad was a disciplinarian. When we did wrong. And we did. He disciplined us. It wasn’t pleasant, but it taught us to respect authority and trust his leadership.
Oh. My dad wasn’t perfect. But he was honest. He was a powerful influence in my life. He took his faith seriously. He had a library of Bible commentaries, Christian books and Bibles to study as he prepared to teach his Sunday School class each week.
My dad is the man I measured all other men by. He set the standard high.
He was a good good father.
I think of God. My heavenly Father. He is the giver of life. He is the lover of my soul. He provides for all my needs.
My heavenly Father allows me to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but he calms my fear of evil. My God is so wise that He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. When I am fearful, he alone is my source of strength and resilience.
Oh. He disciplines me. When I disobey, he teaches me how to be more like Him. When I don’t spend enough time with Him, He calls me back.
The thing about God. He is perfect. He knows exactly what I need when I need it. He provides at just the right time. He does no wrong. He cannot. He will not.
My God is always with me. I can’t move without him knowing it. Oh. He can see everything I do. He hears every word I speak. He reads my every thought. He never leaves my side. He is always available anytime I call out to him. He fights for me. He works on my behalf.
God shows me favor. At times, I feel as if I’m his favorite child. He showers me with blessings that I don’t deserve. He loves me unconditionally. No matter what I do, He never gives up on me. He will not stop loving me.
He is the God I measure all other gods by. May I never waver in the God I serve.
He is a good good Father.
Mercy for the Day 