With a new baby in the house, the “Father” language of the Bible is coming alive for me. Of course I know God is my Father, but being an earthly father (through failings and joys) is helping me grasp it more. Here are two ways I’m speaking of:
1. God does hear us, even if it seems like he is silent: Often Jane will cry and we do not answer her cries with immediate soothing. We’re still listening to her cry, but we are trying to be wise about what it teaches her when we immediately respond to every little whimper. Rest assured, though, that as her cries continue, her parents will do whatever is in their power to understand her ailment and seek to cure it.
I think God operates in this way, at least in some form or fashion. I don’t always have immediate answers to my prayers, though God is listening intently. Through his wise patience in answering, he is carefully teaching me things I need to know. But as my pleas continue, I can be sure that there will be an eventual rescue, and a curing of all my ills when the kingdom comes in its fulness.
2. God is patient: The fifth night we had Jane home, she decided to stay awake for two hours (12 am – 2 am). I decided I’d take a crack at soothing her back to sleep. Two hours of crying baby was more than I could handle. I became angry and was frustrated quickly — a mixture of, “What is wrong with you?” and “How dare you disturb my sleep like this!” As her cries grated on me, I could not help but know that I am a wretched father in light of my Heavenly Father. He hears my cries constantly, many of them redundant. And yet, he is patient. His anger is not kindled against me and his mercy and love is continually poured out.
Dads out there, what are some other helpful fatherhood illustrations you’ve been noticing as you raise your kids?
Posted by Brandon 
