PORTRAITS OF GOD: THE FATHER

“A father of the fatherless...is God in His holy habitation.” (Ps.68:5)

Jesus told us to pray, “Our Father in heaven,” which echoes the truth in this Psalm. This is the first and most familiar metaphor of the first person of the Trinity.  It is a portrait of God—a word picture that we cherish.

Good fathers—and the ideal of what they should be—are shadows of which God is the standard. Earthly fathers are imperfect—even the best of us.  The Eternal Father is the only perfect Parent.

He will never abandon us—as some Dads do—thus, the Psalmist reminds us that God is a Father to the fatherless.  God would never abuse us, as some sinful human fathers do to their children. He will correct us for our good, motivated by love,

“‘For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.’

Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?” (Hebrews‬ ‭12:6, 9‬)

Even good human fathers are limited in what they can do, but not our Heavenly Father.  A father may desire to do something for his child and be without the capacity, yet Father God has infinite power and provision.

I know I love my children, and yet the love of God is supreme—and He loves each of you!  Multiply the love of a good father exponentially and you will be describing the boundless love of God our Father.

You may only truthfully call God your Father if you have been born into His family. That relationship comes through giving your life to Jesus Christ—faith that receives the grace He has to save you.  Can you call God your Father today?