If my people, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
This week at work, I heard someone ask a young man, “Do you have any kids?” To what, he responded, “None, at least that I know,” and then he laughed as if what he said was funny. The conversation hurt my heart. I probably should not take those comments so seriously, but I do.
I have seen what a big problem it is for so many people to grow up without a father. By nature, the father gives identity to his kids. He is the biblical provider and protector of the family. People that grow up without a responsible father lack so much. Even when they come to Christ, they have difficulty seeing God as their Father.
One of the most severe attacks of the devil against humanity is the absence of a father in the home. That is why it was important for Jesus to make sure people saw God as their Father. That is why when He taught the disciples to pray, the first thing out of His mouth was, “Our Father.”
A fatherless person grows up with insecurities, fear, and phobias, developing uncontrolled anger, anxiety, individualism, excessive competitiveness, loneliness, and indecisiveness. Most Christians that grow up without a good father see God as someone that could help them but hardly ever does, which opens their heart to what I call an “Orphan Spirit.”
Child of God, I think evaluating our image of God this week is a good idea since we are at the beginning of a new year. Do you see God as your loving Father? Do you see Him as the one who always provides, protects, and will always be there for you? If not, it might be time to work on your relationship with God the Father.
You, my friend, are His son or daughter. He claims you as part of His family. He is not ashamed of calling you "His." We, the Children of God, are called by His name. You are not an orphan. You have a loving Father who did not spare the life of His only Son to make you part of His family. God, your Father, loves you and appreciates you. Live every day of 2023 as who you are. You are a Child of God.
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