I found such treasures as I cleaned out my box of special letters. This was a paragraph from a letter from my Dad. "I remember your trust in me at three years old when I had taught you to swim at the pool. We were in the ocean. I told you I was over my head and we both had to swim. You turned me loose and started swimming towards the shore. I was watching every stroke to make sure you did not go under and you went all the way." I heard that story often. I remember Dad was so proud when we would go to a pool and my three year old self would jump off the diving board and people would panic as he proudly told them I could swim! And I went to the other side of the pool!
I think we all want our father's approval and some of us always had it, some always tried and never got it. My dad never had his father's approval. Instead of following statistics, God helped him be the father that he wished he had. Dad said God was his Father. I grew up being thankful that I had my Heavenly Father's approval. I know I disappointed Him a lot but it is nice to know He is proud of me - even more than my earthly father!
I think my Heavenly Father is proud when we put our trust in Him. Although I will never get where I need to be, I am farther along today than I was yesterday. And I am not as far today as I will be tomorrow. Thanks be to God! When I read what my dad wrote I knew I trusted him. I knew he would never let anything happen to me. I trusted him with my girls. I knew that he would take as good care of them as I would. So, why do we have a hard time trusting God, who loves us more than anyone! Even more than my Dad loved me! Even more than my momma loves me! Even more than I love my girls!
Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." We can trust our Heavenly Father with everything - no matter how big or small. God is already in our tomorrows. He knows where we are and He has a plan. A plan that we can be assured is the best! God never expects us to figure things out on our own but He does expect us to trust Him. If we trust Him, with all our heart, He will guide us, using the best path! He is the only one who sees the big picture and knows the future! His timing is perfect!
Maybe you need to read this promise today from Psalm 9: 10. "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." He will not desert us. Trust Him with your life and the life of your loved ones. Ask Him to help you guard and protect your heart from worry and control. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and give you wisdom to hold on to God's Word. And your Heavenly Father is and will be so proud of you! Elevation Worship and Maverick City sing, "Jireh" which means provider. I love the lyrics, "I'll never be more loved than I am right now. Wasn't holding You up So there's nothing I can do to let You down. It doesn't take a trophy to make You proud."
Maybe you do not have your earthly father today but we know we will see them again, thanks to Jesus and the gift of salvation. No matter our circumstances this Father's Day, "I will be content in every circumstance, Jireh, You are enough... I'm already loved, I'm already chosen, I know who I am, I know what You've spoken." Honor the father figures in your life today! And if you are a father or a father figure, “Happy Father’s day!” If this is a hard day for you, I am praying for you!! Mike, happy father's day and thank you for being a godly father to our girls. Dad, this is in memory of you. I love you and thank you for teaching me that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me more than I can ever imagine. Until we meet again...