You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Psalm 56:8 (ESV)
An unfortunate reality in our society today is the mounting number of absentee fathers. Teen pregnancy and divorce often times contributes to this abandonment, but in a society where greed, the love for pleasure and the pursuit of the American dream stand atop the priority list, even when the father is in the home he can be detached from his children. But as Christians we have a better hope.
King David penned the words to Psalms 56 when the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Even though his enemies were all around him and he was afraid for his life, David knew that God his father had not forsaken him. David was confident that God saw his affliction and tears and that God had documented each of them. He was so assured of his father’s involvement that he wrote, Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. (Psalm 56:9 ESV)
Jesus made some reassuring promises to his disciples on which we can stand in times when we feel alone or afraid. He told them that he would be with them always to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Since Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:30), we can know that God the Father will never abandon us. The writer of Hebrews concurred with this thought when he wrote, Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said,’I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)
Jesus also promised us that we do not have to be anxious about our life, what we wear and eat. He said we are more valuable than food and clothing and that the Father, who cares for the birds and the lilies, will take care of us (Matthew 6:25-34). He said, Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 ESV)
God the Father has called us his children (1 John 3:1). And even though we may be fatherless or have an earthly father who is detached from us, we know from God’s word that he is a father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). God has made his home with us (John 14:23). He has not left us as orphans and has sent his Spirit to be our helper (John 14:16-18).
Our heavenly Father knows all about us, is involved in our lives and we can cast our cares on him (1 Peter 5:7). David wrote, O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. (Psalm 139:1-6 ESV)
Is God your Father? Have you told him lately that you love him?
Scriptures for meditation:
John 14:2-3
Romans 8:15
Galatians 4:6
James 1:17