Understanding the Father's Heart

I have an awesome dad. Many people don’t. Father wounds are rampant inside, and out of the church. They require healing and counselling, but the great part about being in the family of God is that we have a brand-new heritage and family legacy. You can take any part of the story in the Bible as your own personal legacy. If that’s still not good enough, go ahead, and graft your story into mine and claim my personal legacy as your own because we’re family. In families, we share.

My Father will rescue me

When I was 16 a boy took me on a date to a hockey fundraiser in another town. It was winter and a blizzard started during the evening; driving was not advised. My date decided to stay at a friend’s overnight. I knew that wouldn’t please my parents but I had been drinking and I was afraid to call my dad. I called and both my parents came to pick me up.

Instead of condemnation and fear, I felt safe. Whether or not they knew I had been drinking didn’t matter. I was protected and I knew that My Father will go through a storm to bring me home.

My Father Protects My Reputation

A couple of boys from school were looking in my bedroom window. I didn’t know who was outside but I told my dad and he went outside to find them. My dad brought them into the house and sat them down at the dining room table. He spoke to them about my reputation, and how it was his job to protect it. When he was finished talking, he let them leave.

It taught me that my Father upholds and protects my reputation from stain and tarnish.

My Father Likes Spending Time with Me

During high school my social calendar was, well, you know…social. I was busy working, hanging with friends or being with my boyfriend. I didn’t make time for family unless it was required. My dad began taking me for breakfast dates. I don’t remember when the dates started but it became a regular event throughout high school; just him and me.

The conversations weren’t always revolutionary but my dad was genuinely interested in what I had to say and what was going on in my life. I learned that my Father enjoys my company and likes hearing my perspective.

My Father is Interested in Developing Me as a Whole Person

It didn’t seem fair to me that I had to learn how to mow the grass, change the car oil, and handle a chainsaw when my older brother didn’t have to learn to clean the house or make dinner. When I sold World’s Finest Chocolates for a school fundraiser, I’m 100% certain I was the only child with a detailed sales pitch – why the chocolates are the world’s finest, the benefits for the buyer and why it was important for me to sell the chocolate.

Looking back, I realize my dad was developing skills that I might need later in life. My Father develops skills and abilities in me too so that in season or out of season I produce fruit.

From the time I was small, my dad taught me to make eye contact with people when I spoke. My dad taught by example, to treat others with value and respect because I had value and deserved respect.

Our family was not wealthy but I never felt I didn’t belong in whatever social circle we mingled. My dad treated me like a princess and taught me to behave like royalty. My Father agrees.

Come Home to the Father’s Heart

Perfect love can only be experienced through the Father’s Heart. There’s nothing like the Father’s Heart, which overflows with abundant love for you – simply because you exist. You are designed to receive love and acceptance. Stop searching where you will never find it and come home into his embrace, come home to the Father’s Heart. Father’s Heart worship flags express His loving heart to the world.

You are designed to receive love and acceptance. Stop searching where you will never find it and come home into his embrace, come home to the Father’s Heart.

I love my dad and what he taught me (and it still teaching me) about my heavenly Father. I’m grateful that he is still alive and is close enough to see him frequently.

Your Turn

What do you love about your dad? Did your dad help you draw closer to the Father? Tell me how in the comments.