The Father Heart of God
February Call to Prayer by: Patricia Bootsma
There are many Biblical references to God as our Father, one of which is Psalm 68:4-5, “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.” We see He is not only all-powerful and worthy of praise but also a caring defender.
The revelation of the Father Heart of God is life-changing, particularly if an individual has not had a loving relationship with one’s biological father. Good fathers protect, define, lead, provide, encourage and show us how to connect with our Heavenly Father. Not all, including myself, had that kind of relationship. Yet, the ultimate Father who can revolutionize our lives is the One who spoke these words, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me” (Psalm 27:10). And, “But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.’ ‘Can a woman forget her nursing child and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I’ve inscribed you on the palms of My hands” (Isaiah 49:14-16).
There has been much heartache and loss in Israel due to war at this time. For some in America, wildfires, floods, or hurricanes have destroyed homes and livelihoods. Others have felt the ache of the loss of a loved one or of a marriage or other relationship. Still more are riding high on the current of great gain. No matter our status economically, physically, or relationally, we all have a deep-seated need - the need to be fathered. Whether you are 8 years old or 88, you need a father.
Leaving an orphan-hearted life of independence, self-reliance, seeing God as a slave-diver, working for the approval of others, being driven to perform, compare, compete, control, distrust, guarded, and ambition can give way to living with a heart of sonship, seeing God as a loving Father, secure, accepted, positive, affirmed, humble, giving, loving, obedient, and living out of a state of rest. What a journey from striving to rest and from angst to peace. It’s worth what it takes to take that journey, which involves forgiveness, repentance, and the pursuit of our Divine Father to change the way we think and live to enter into sonship.
I’ve often heard my husband say to our children, “You have two fathers, one in heaven and one on earth.” At these times, it may be that one of our children was asking for a purchase beyond our budget or insight beyond our understanding, and John was reminding them of their heavenly Father’s infinite resources or limitless wisdom.
Whether it is those in Israel or anyone reading this message, may our Father above heal the brokenhearted, set the captives free, give beauty for ashes, and hold us in His embrace.
