Because Jesus was born and given to us, because the governing of all life is on His shoulders, because we can count on His wonderful counseling, because He is mightier than mighty, we can live forevermore and begin to sense that Abundant Life here too, filled with peace and joy, no matter what is going on. Praise God! (I hope you have noticed how I keep adding to this here…)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isa 9:6 NIV
Father. What a comforting Name for our Jesus, isn’t it? Sadly, for some this Character trait of God can be a stumbling block. If they have not had a good relationship with their earthly fathers, they too often transfer those ill feelings to our God. But this is completely wrong. God is a Holy Father, that means He acts perfectly towards us. God is not selfish, as some broken dads may be. God is not violent or cruel, as many corrupted men may be. God is not neglectful, disrespectful, hurtful, oblivious, unconcerned, uninvolved…these are ways a fallen human may treat you, but God never would. He loves us beyond measure. And He loves us even when we are acting like a child.
This Father is THE provider and protector of His children. Not only has He already provided for The Way to Heaven for us, but He also provides for us in this life too. Whatever you are concerned about, He is also concerned about it. Nothing is too small or insignificant for Him. He loves us. This doesn’t mean He will spoil us…as if we need anymore spoiling…but it does means He will give us what we need. And on the occasions when we are being stubborn children, yes, He will give us a “time out” too, for our own good. This is one of the ways He protects us. Many times He protects us from harm, protects us from other unkind people, but most of all He protect us from us.
Father really does know best. And because God our Father loves us so deeply, we can trust Him no matter what happens. Even if our earthly fathers leave and forsake us, this Holy, Eternal Father never will. Just like our Holy, Perfect Father, this promise is everlasting!
Join me in memorizing 52 verses this year:
January: 1- Jn 3:16; 2- 2Co 5:17; 3- Jas 2:26; 4- Eph 2:10
February: 5- Jn 10:10; 6- Ro 6:23; 7- Rev 21:4; 8- Php 4:13
March: 9- 1Pe 5:7; 10- Jn 8:32; 11- Dt 30:19; 12- Jn 3:30; 13- 2Chron 20:3
April: 14- 2Chron 20:12; 15- 2Chron 20:15b; 16- 2Chron 20:17
May: 17- Ro 8:28; 18- 1Co 13:13; 19- Php 2:12; 20- Mt 5:4
June: 21- Lk 23:42; 22- Jas 4:7; 23- Pr 22:6; 24- Mt 5:3; 25- Jn 14:6
July: 26- Jas 2:19; 27- Dt 31:8; 28- Jn 14:15; 29- Jn 8:11
August: 30- Ro 8:1; 31- Pr 4:23; 32- Pr 18:21; 33- Ps 118:24; 34- 1Jn 4:4
September: 35- Mt 16:24; 36- Isa 53:6; 37- Ps 23:1-6
October: 38- Heb 4:12; 39- Jn 15:5
November: 40- Jas 5:16; 41- 1Jn 3:1; 42- 1Jn 5:12; 43- 1Jn 3:3; 44- Ps 139:16
December: 45- Ps 119:105; Eze 17:14; Isa 9:6
<>< Peace, Diane
