God is a Good, Good Father

Scripture

And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.— Genesis 3:21 (ESV)

If you didn't grow up with a loving and nurturing father, it can be difficult to understand how God the Father loves you unconditionally. Our Heavenly Father is the only One we will ever find complete fulfillment in and He is one prayer away. I pray this devotional encourages you to start or continue a relationship with our Good, Good Father.

Can you recall when someone disappointed you with their actions or words? Perhaps you may remember a time when you greatly disappointed someone else.  I certainly know I can relate to both ends of this equation. What's worse is when I feel like I have disappointed God.

"Don't worry about the couch." The therapist reassured me that my tears would not stain the maroon velvet upholstery.

I stared at the box of tissues in my lap, then confessed how heartbreaking this season is. I felt like a burden and a disappointment to my family and friends. I thought I was letting everyone down, especially God, because I couldn't fix myself. I couldn't just snap my fingers and make the depression disappear. My faith and prayer were obviously not enough to win the battle in my mind, so I deemed myself not faithful enough.

"Don't you think God is a good, good Father? One who is patient, kind, and very forgiving."

The therapist continued describing all our perfect God's fatherly and loving attributes. I didn't grow up with an earthly father, so some of these characteristics of a good dad who is always present were foreign to me. The most startling realization was that my Heavenly Father still loved me and wanted me, regardless of how many times I messed up or the current state of my mind.

In Genesis 3, we witness man and woman disobeying God for the first time, which resulted in the fallen world and separation from Him. I can only imagine Adam and Eve's slumped-over posture, hearts heavy with shame, as they stood before God and received justified fatherly discipline.

Immediately after this tough sentencing, we witness a good and caring Father make clothes and dress Adam and Eve. He covered their shame. Then God guarded the tree of life so that we would not eternally live in a fallen world tainted with sin and separated from Him.

God is a Good, Good Father who Adopted us by Choice

He still loved His children despite their sin and already planned to redeem and restore their relationship through the death of His son. God provided a way back home to Him and adopted us by choice, because He is a good, good Father.

For those who didn't have a nurturing and fulfilling relationship with an earthly father, it can be hard to imagine a dad who offers unconditional love and effortless forgiveness. Gratefully, we have a perfect Abba who is greater than anything we can imagine. He provides for all our needs and offers refuge in the storms. He turns disappointment into purpose. And He calls us His beloved sons and daughters. 

Questions for Reflection

1. Is there anything you want to ask Our Heavenly Father? When I go through different seasons and need parental guidance, I find it more comforting to specifically address God the Father in prayer.

2. Have you prayed the Lord's Prayer lately? If not, now is a good time to start.

Let's Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me your child. Give me peace knowing you love me unconditionally and will always welcome me home despite my shortcomings. Please give me the strength to fight the negative thoughts and attacks from the enemy that tell me I am unworthy to call you Abba. I trust you will supply all my needs, protect me, and love me like only a good, good Father can. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Originally Published on Crossmap.