Memories
Father's Day brings many childhood memories to mind. Of course there are memories of my father making me feel important, of his protecting me and providing for me... but there are also memories of his making me do things that I didn't want to do, things that were best for me.
These things in the "natural" father are mere reflections of the things of our loving spiritual Father. We are all aware of these qualities in the character of God but there may be times when we wonder about the suffering or the uncomfortable times or times of rebuke in our Christian walk and relationship.
I remember my dad taking me to the dentist on several occasions. I remember being afraid and even praying for the rapture, haha. I was very fearful of the dentist because everytime I went there I was hurt, albeit temporarily. It is the same with God, our Father. There are times when He allows us or encourages us to do something or walk a path that we find painful, albeit temporarily, but is best for us. While I didn't fully trust the dentist, I knew that my dad would never allow me to be harmed and that what was going to take place was sincerely in my best interest.
How amazing and wonderful it is to be able to trust God fully, knowing that He sent Jesus to ensure our wholeness. That's right!! He cares about every aspect of US! He tends to and prepares for our mental health... "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, He has given to us, a Spirit of power, a Spirit of love, and a sound mind", 2 Ti 1:7 our physical health.... , and our spiritual health... "I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it." Jer 33:8, 9; AND "you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins."Eph 2:1
God provides and prepares for us eternally. We need only to lean upon Him and trust Him, in full obedience. What a priveledge to be able to be covered in His redemptive blood, to be called His child. As we grow in Him, we take on His very character and others are drawn unto Him through His light in us.
Dear Father, we thank you today for making us Your children. Lord, we thank You for Your constant care for our every need, for rebuking us... as Your children... when we are turning from Your way. Father we thank You for Your steadfastness, for allowing us to grow, for steering us onto a path for our best health, spiritually, mentally, and physically...even if we don't always agree or understand. Lord, help us to trust, give us a greater faith. Let us fully realize our relationship and our responsibility to You, to our brothers and sisters, to the lost. Father, we love You, we are astounded at Your goodness, and we are thankful for Your love. Happy Father's Day, from your little girl with love.
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1Th 5:23