February 2025: The Father to the Fatherless

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

If you grew up without the presence of a Father in your life, you may hold this scripture near and dear to your heart. 

In the Psychological Studies community, it is said that those who lack parental relationships may be at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness. A missing parent can create long-term feelings of instability, and the absence of a father figure can lead to challenges in forming trusting relationships later in life. 

I grew up without the relationship of an earthly father. I was fortunate, though, to learn during my teen years that God could be my Heavenly Father. Like the verse says in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

How comforting it is to know we have a Heavenly Father who will never leave us or forsake us! I have always needed my relationship with God, but never as much as I do now as I walk along this long road of grief. I am consistently amazed at how true his promises are. To find true healing, we must commit and re-commit daily to know our Heavenly Father. The Bible shows us how we can know our heavenly Father as closely, if not closer than we do our earthly parents. The following verses describe some ways:

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

These verses encourage us to meditate on the virtues of our Heavenly Father. When we align our thoughts and actions with his character, we can be assured that our minds will be renewed as well. God doesn’t promise this only for his children who aren’t grieving, in fact, he says in Psalms 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

While there can be a haze of emotions, some caught between what was and what could have been, let’s remember that our heavenly Father wants to heal us.

Let’s challenge one another to be discerning as we keep our thoughts on what is good, pure, and lovely. Allowing ourselves to live in the truth that, although we walk with a heavy heart and miss our loved ones more than others will ever know, we can still grow in understanding and experience a life full of God’s rich blessings and his peace.

Isn’t this what every good parent wants for their children?