God as a Parent

I had the privilege of teaching in Christian education for 7 years. In every class I had we always started with Bible class as our first subject of the day. Jesus repeatedly ministered to and spoke tenderly about children (Matthew 10:13-16; Matthew 18:10; Luke 18:16-17; Mark 9:37) and as a teacher I understand why. They are full of more spiritual insight than we could ever gleen on our own. They have the ability to think innocently and honestly about spiritual topics that we tend to complicate as adults that think too much about everything.

For example, one of my favorite Bible class activities that I repeated often was having my students list who God was to them. It was a great exercise to remind myself of the multifaceted God we serve.

Recently I find myself reflecting on who God is to me now as a parent. I keep coming back to the image of God as my Father. Before my baby boy was born in June 2021 the image of God as a Father was comforting in a completely different way than it is now that I am a parent.

I don’t think I fully understood God as a Father until I became a mom. I’ve alluded to it in many blogs (My God is All Knowing, Peaceful Slumber, My Son and My Savior, Mr. Rogers and Fussy Car Rides) but I was struck with another realization one morning. As I watched my son play I realized that he’ll never fully know how much I love him and all I would do to keep him safe. He might understand a fraction of that love when he’s a teenager and sees some of what we do to show him that love. But right now, as a 10 month old, he can’t grasp the love that is showered on him daily. All he knows is that his momma and dadda are a safe place for him to come to and that we give him the food that he’s seemingly always demanding.

As I was reflecting on this, as if He was standing right next to me, I heard my heavenly Father say, “I feel the same exact way about you!”

“You know Me as a Father that provides for you and that is a safe place in times of danger.”

“You know Me as a provider that gives you more than could ever need.”

“You know Me as the God who listens when you pray and cry out in hurt or anger.”

“But you’ll never truly understand the Great Love that I have poured for you.”

“Don’t worry about trying to wrap your mind around it. Just rest in these promises. And never forget that you are loved far more and far deeper than you could even love that sweet bundle of joy.”

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“...your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Matthew 6:32

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2

He’s speaking to you too.