June 17, 2024
“My Father’s heart is kind beyond all measure, gives unto each day what He deems best.” These words from an adaptation of the classic “Day by Day” on a CD by Mack and Beth Lynch comfort my heart and open my eyes to God’s many kindnesses to me.
In honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to write about my heavenly Father. Yes, I have a good earthly father for whom I am incredibly grateful, but not everyone has the privilege of a good earthly father. Yet anybody can claim the very best Father for himself or herself!
In my college years during the summers, I had the privilege of working at a beautiful Christian camp. Campers came from many states and varying home situations, some of which were quite sad, and the staff and counselors had the amazing opportunity to point these young people to the Lord. For many of these young people, the concept of a good father or even a father at all was foreign to say the least.
One verse in particular still resides in my memory from my camp summers. In staff training week, the staff and counsellors were given resource tools to help campers in various needs, and Psalm 27:10 was listed as a verse to help kids who had little to no parental influence.
Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
What an amazing promise this verse is! If a child finds himself abandoned in any way, whether through a parent’s physical departure from this earth or simply emotional distance, God will take the child up.
Not only can the young child claim the promise of Psalm 27:10, but I believe this verse is a precious promise for anyone in any stage of life. Perhaps physical distance keeps an adult daughter from her earthly father, and sadness and longing creeps into the heart. Perhaps an adult child feels estranged from earthly parents and longs for the relationship that once was. Perhaps an adult son lost his father through illness or accident, and the void of the father’s presence creates a powerful vacuum.
As much as good parents want always want to be there for their children, they may not be able to do so. Yet God is ever present! God is a loving Father to us, and His heart is kind.
God’s heart towards me is good and kind. Psalm 145:9 says, “The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all his works.” This is a calibrating, stabilizing verse for me. When I get distraught and “bent out of shape”, this verse bends my heart back into shape and helps me focus on God’s goodness and trust His plan for me.
The LORD is good to all. When my sinful heart points an ugly, discontent finger at God, the Spirit reminds me, “No, Ashley, the LORD is good to all, and that includes you!” What God does for me is probably different than what He does for another, but that’s okay. God knows what is best for me, and I can rest in my Heavenly Father’s plan for my life.
Friend, I hope this post encouraged you. I know the subject of fatherhood can be a tender one, and please know that my heart has only been to encourage and uplift, never ever to cause hurt or pain. Please know that God loves you and wants to be your loving Heavenly Father!
-Ashley
Personal Disclosure
As the author of Ashley Qurollo Blog, all opinions are my own. Any possible applications are universal in nature, not directed at any one individual or people group. My sincere desire is to help others by sharing what I am learning. Nothing stated on this blog is ever intended to hurt others. Ashley Qurollo, owner of Ashley Qurollo Blog and Website, is not held liable in any way for any application of the ideas and thoughts stated here.
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