It is not an overstatement to say that the relationship we have with our fathers has a profound effect on every human relationship we will have on this earth. And I have found that it plays a crucial role in shaping the relationship we have with God.
I am amazed at the parallels between the relationship we have with our earthly father and the perception we have of our Heavenly Father. If we had a loving, encouraging relationship with our dad it is common to view God as One who genuinely loves and cares for His children. Conversely, it is true that:
- Children who had an angry father are more inclined to be afraid of God.
- Children whose dads left the family (physically or emotionally) often find it hard to believe God will always be there for them.
- Children of workaholic dads are more likely to grow up believing that God is much too busy to be concerned with their needs.
- Children of sexually abusive fathers often want nothing to do with a male God.
I am saddened by how many people with father wounds, because of their misunderstanding of God’s role as Heavenly Father, have distanced themselves—either intentionally or unintentionally—from the only One who can provide the healing they desperately need.
If that is you, I would like to invite you on a journey. My book, When Father is a Bad Word, will help you discover who God, your Heavenly Father, really is. I will warn you, it won’t always be smooth traveling. The terrain may be rough. There may be times you will want to turn back. You may have to take an occasional detour. But once you’ve arrived at the destination you will discover it was worth the trip.
You may not know it, but you have a Father who wants nothing more than to have an intimate relationship with you. A Father who loves you more than you could ever imagine. A Father who would never think of leaving His kids. A Father who longs to give you the peace and healing you’re searching for.
Perhaps it's time to meet Him.