“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For the reason the world does not know us, is because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1 (NASB)
As each of our boys turned three, my husband would take them on the first of many hunting experiences. In the first couple of years he focused on teaching them to be still, what they were looking/listening for, and how to safely handle a single projectile weapon, a new BB gun.
They typically fell asleep when they practiced sitting quietly. When awake they were more interested in handheld video games, and they requested more breaks than an average hunt would tolerate. The likelihood of having a successful hunt with a three-to-five-year-old was slim to none, but it was an investment my husband was willing to make.
Allowing breaks and time spent on video games (earphones intact) acknowledged that they were in the learning stages and had not yet mastered the maturity of a hunter. Giving them grace when they fell asleep and encouraging them when they missed the intended harvest were also purposeful gestures. In short, my husband was not legalistic or judgmental.
My husband’s patience paid off as he saw them mature into knowledgeable hunters in both marksmanship and survival skills. He had successfully taught them to fall in love with the things that he loved. Now they share a need for the outdoors. They spend time with each other and continue to make great memories to be shared for generations.
While my husband is a good dad, Christ is the perfect Dad. He has no rival and no equal. His love for us is selfless and motivated by relationship.
He’s quick to give us rest when we feel overwhelmed and tired. He’s patient with our learning curve when we make mistakes. He shows us grace when we need a “do over.” Christ is the Father who is able to carry our burdens, allowing us to lift our heads under the weight of poor choices.
Christ never tires of hearing our voice. Draw close to the One whose image you are made in and who loves you without end and without hesitation. You are His beloved.
Discovering His heart for you is going to blow your mind!
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, that is my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition, as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover about yourself and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.
- What type of earthly father have you had? Engaged/indifferent? Involved/absent?
- God’s intention is for parents to be a small example of His heart for us. Was your father able to express his love for you and therefore give you an example of how much God loves you?
- From the relationship you’ve had with your own father, would it be difficult for you to relate to Father God?
- Write three things you want to talk about with Father God. Then talk to Him like you were talking to a friend. He loves to hear your voice and if something matters to you, it matters to Him. He wants to heal, restore and renew should there be a need to do so.
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says about His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For the reason the world does not know us, is because it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1 (NASB)
Read this scripture out loud: God the Father calls me His child. When people don’t recognize my worth, it is because they don’t know the One who has spoken for me and calls me His daughter.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
