Behold, ponder, contemplate—be astonished, smitten and speechless “at the great love the Father has lavished on us.” 1 John 3:1
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the Father we long for, always wanted, and desperately need. We call tomorrow Father’s Day; but in the Gospel, every day is Father’s Day. Here’s 7 of multiple reasons we’re grateful this is true. If I could do cartwheels, I’d do 7—one for each of these.
- Thank you for actually adopting us—not metaphorically, but for real and eternity. We are your children, Jesus our righteousness, and your sovereignty our sanity. Hallelujah!
- Thank you for giving us the “Spirit of sonship” (Rom.8:15-16)—the Holy Spirit as our permanent heart-guest. He’s always telling about Jesus and how much you love us. Because we easily forget and easily disbelieve.
- Thank you for being “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). We need both right now, for various scenarios and stories.
- Thank you for promising to finish the work you began in us (Phil. 1:6). A HUGE, “Whew!” for that one. We will be like Jesus.
- Thank you for the promise of no separation from your love, and that you’ll only discipline us in love (Heb. 12:6). Abba, help us believe the unbelievable: You love us as much as you love Jesus.
- Thank you for grace to forgive our earthly fathers—none of whom could be or replace you; grace for the ways we dads haven’t been the father we hoped; and grace to trust you for stories of healing and redemption on our way Home.
- Thank you for the spiritual dads you’ve given us—our Gospel-Fathers and grace-Papa’s who help us know you better and live for your glory. Thank you, and So Very Amen.