I’m not sure if you know it, but there was a chorus that I learned in my first church experience which is essential to how we live our faith. It begins with an important suggestion for each of us to determine Who Jesus is. The further blessing is that it offers some suggestions. Being the third person in the Trinity, Jesus’ attributes are often conflated with those pertaining to God’s and vice-versa. Who is God to us and where do we experience God the most? These are questions elicited by today’s Holy Nougat
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalms 68:5 NIV
As one whose physical father was lost at an early age, the fact of God’s fathership (Abba) realizes mixed feelings. On the one hand, I can celebrate having a father Who is assuredly present always; and that is a blessing. I have a positive male role model to reflect on and am confident that God will guide me when no one is able. And that’s most definitely a plus. A good understanding of God’s persona requires that we experience God as parent; as our Go-to person in crisis and in joy.
There is however, another side. For the picture of God as father can be daunting to those who either wasn’t blessed by having a father, or those who have had bad relationships with their dads. And that’s okay. God can transform that void permanently if we’re willing. For that is God’s specialty. With the advantage of being Our Creator, we can rest assured that God knows our needs and is equipped to supply them. We also realize that God is able to step in as parent in ALL facets of our lives. Even the grieving, lonely, despondent, skeptic can find and receive parental love in God ( protection, provision AND correction).
In most families, the relationships between parent and child exist in a space that fosters trust, friendship and love. The space is the Home. With God, that space is in each of our hearts. Yes indeed. When we open our hearts for God to dwell; patenting is a perk that comes in the package. Especially for those who need that father/parental figure. One Who never leaves us or forsakes us!
So, Who is God to us today? And where does God reside? I can’t speak for others, but my Abba lives with me in my heart.
