A Blessing on Father’s Day

As I began to pray in the early morning of Father’s Day—for the first time ever, I took a backward step, looked up and said, ‘Happy Father’s Day to you, God! You are my father, our Father . . . and honestly, it is only through you that we have any notion of God the Father.’ FATHER … my heavenly Father ~ uncorrupted by sin or failed expectation, perfect in every way, loving beyond comprehension.

God puts a high priority on parenthood, including honoring of one’s parents as number five of the Ten Commandments.1 Indeed, “Honor thy father and mother” is commanded in 10 different places in Scripture, and it is the only command that comes with a promise - Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.2

Yet fatherhood often seems to lack honor—or at least it seems that way. So many thankless deeds, selfless tasks, and tiresome duties. I think of so many fathers who toil at their jobs in an effort to provide for their children; it is not just in today’s economy that it is a pressure, but it does seem the strain is quite worrisome and laborious just the same. But God sees, and he understands, Dad.

And eventually, many children do see, appreciate, and grow from your sacrifices; I found this poem by Joanna Fuchs:

Life Lessons
You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.
Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.

Sweet, huh? Our children see far more than we realize. If they see us practicing gratitude, one day they will express gratitude for who we have been and what we have done for them.

May I offer two instructions from Scripture on this Fathers’ Day, Dads? First, don’t forget to share your spiritual journey with your children, as a father’s testimony is powerful. "Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”3 Second, Paul included this reminder: "Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord."4

A prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you will bless fathers around our globe today. Bless and fill their hearts with love from you, their true Father, no matter how wonderful (or lacking) their own fathers were or have been. God, I pray that you will equip them with your wisdom which is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy—shows no favoritism and is always sincere.5 May your favor rest upon them, confirm and establish the work of their hands,6 Lord God. Amen.

God Bless You, Dads!

Christine Todd DiGiacomo

PastorWoman.com

1 – Exodus 20.12
2 – Ephesians 6.2-3
3 – Joel 1.3
4 – Ephesians 6.4, Amplified
5 – James 3.17