Understanding Your Heavenly Father (2)

“As parents feel for their children, God feels for [you].”                Ps 103:13 MSG

To see God as a loving Father may not come easily, if you carry the scars of a neglected or abusive childhood. Perhaps you had so many unmet needs growing up: affection, security, trust, comfort, material necessities, etc., and your lack of these things makes it hard to believe God will provide for your needs now. What to do? Recognize that your “father-image” is flawed and in no way resembles your heavenly Father. Even the best earthly father can’t measure up to Him. He wants you to approach Him as a caring, sensitive, generous, dependable, loving Father. That’s why Jesus taught us to call Him “Our Father,” not just “Almighty God and Lord.” Like a good father, God understands your needs and makes full provision for them (See Mt 6:25-34). And just as a good parent recognizes the unique characteristics of each of his children, He knows your distinctive personality, gifts, thoughts, and feelings. “As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud” (Ps 103:13-14 MSG). God’s care is tailor-made to your specific gifts—and weaknesses. And like a loving father, He accepts and fulfills His responsibility to provide for you. So what’s yourrole in the relationship? To actlike the child of a trustworthy, generous, permanently-loving Father!

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