It’s Father’s Day in some parts of the world. Not always easy for many but, happy Fathers Day to the men in our midst. May you be all your children need – biological or otherwise. I pray you wisdom and approachability, just like God.
Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Can you imagine giving ALL our worries over to God? Although it shouldn’t be a matter of imagination, I suspect most of us have never actually done so. Worse yet, we probably can’t get our minds to fathom such. If you are in that space, here’s an alternative question – can you imagine a worry-free life? Again some of us would draw a blank because we thrive on worrying.
Not to feel badly; I’m a recovering worrywart who still occasionally slips up, and when I revert, sometimes it’s as though I needed to pack in all pent up worries lest I don’t get to ‘relapse’ ever again. Like seriously, it was bad to the point where I scared others by my reactions when being driven. Several near accidents later; I hope I’m back in recovery rather than fully fledged panic-manic worry mode.
But here – (not in the mindless somewhere) yes, right here – is Our God, today depicted as Our Loving Father, waiting for us to SHARE our concerns heavenwards (instead of with friends only) in order to address each one. And Our Loving Father also desires to remove the wrinkles from our foreheads.
And yes, we can talk with God even when we are worried about the consequences of our sinful actions. Adam and Eve were worried to the point of trying to hide from God; and it was God Who sought them out, despite. True, the consequence were indeed steep, (but there’s more to that point), and they survived. Gideon was also a worrywart, and each time he worried, God addressed the worry.
What an awesome God! What a dad!
For God, Our Loving Father is a giver, is present, listens, responds, showers us with good gifts, gives us space to grow without hovering, near enough to assure us that even in the Valley of Shadows, we are not alone – no matter what fear says. And yes, we are chastised; yes we go through the Fire. But, when we have established and sustained that relationship with God, we realize that even on the cross; we can cry out. Isn’t that just so absolutely awesome?
Can you imagine if earthly fathers were exemplifying God’s Grace in worrisome moment? Not necessarily solving all problems, but exuding the assurance that he is there to support us. Perhaps our individual worry quotients would be lower. For those who instill such confidence in Your children, I say “Hats off! This day is truly about you!” And for those others, might I suggest that it’s not too late – even if you are doing it to help another person’s child.
For we need our mothers to show us the ways of God the nourishing Mother over her chicks. But we also need our fathers to model to model God, Our Loving Father. We do!
