What comes to mind when you think of God as a Father? I’ve heard people say that God is a mean old judge who sits on His throne, spitting out rules for people to follow. Some even say that He’s no different from their earthly father. I mean, how could He be any different in their eyes? The very thought of God being father evokes responses of anger, resentment and rejection.
God, our heavenly Father is gentle, kind, compassionate, just, loving, gracious, and so much more, but many have yet to experience Him as such because they have not known a kind, and caring earthly father. Our views of God and His love for us are distorted. In many cases, because of this reason, many hurting individuals choose to simply deny or ignore the existence of God. How tragic that such a beautiful facet of God’s character — that He is not a distant, impersonal ruler, but a warm and welcoming papa — is often tainted by the weaknesses of human fathers!
True story
While on a mission trip in 2015, one of the missionaries in our group asked a young lady, “What is God like to you?” she responded, “If God is anything like my father, you can keep Him!” After a very long conversation, we found out that the girl and her mother were repeatedly abused by her father. How sad that in a culture of brokenness the picture of a loving Father who is there for his children has become so maligned, so abused and out of focus. Factors like these can hold us back from knowing God. There’s a big difference between knowing about God and knowing Him personally. John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Knowing, and experiencing God as Father starts with us receiving and believing in the name of Jesus. Those who accept Jesus Christ, as he is offered to them in the Gospel, have, through his blood, a right to this sonship. If you or anyone desires to know and experience God as Father then this is the first step to take.
Knowing, understanding and experiencing God as Father can radically change your life. Your approach when you pray will be different, and the experiences that you have with Him will also be different. You will approach Him with confidence instead of timidity and apprehension because you know who you are going to. You don’t have to think that when you use informal words such as “Abba” that you are being disrespectful. Though the word father was used sparingly in the Old Testament, we now have the privilege, through Jesus Christ to call God our father” (Galatians 4:4-7). As His children, we acknowledge Him as our Father, for we have an experiential knowledge of Him. We put our trust and faith in Him who loves us, provides for us, and protects us as our earthly fathers should. Saying “Our Father” when you pray means that there is a relationship with Him, and it brings an intimacy with Him.
Don’t base your relationship with your heavenly Father on your feelings and past hurts, but on what the word of God says. God is waiting and ready to treat you like a daughter, don’t turn away from Him. Instead, run to Him! Run to the One who knows you best and has your best interest at heart. Find out about what it means to know God as Father, and call Him that with joy and gladness.
Respond:
- If you already have a relationship with God but have not yet experienced Him as Father, pray and ask Him to reveal what is hindering you from having this experience.
- If you do not have a relationship with God, I invite you to make the step.
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Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.