05.26.10
God the Working Father
Often, I am consumed with my work, working out my faith, working on my home, family, tasks, whatever. My eyes are easily looking at what my job is and I lose sight of God’s work.
God is paying attention to me and is working on me.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Growing up without my father, my view of “dad” was full of uncertain and painful experiences with men who pledged short-term love to my mother, my sister and me. I grew cold to the desire for a dad. As I grew in Christ, my understanding of God the Father became more distant and theological than tender and personal. The thought that God is a faithful and loving Father seemed unreal. Yet, over time, I have learned to cling to him like a toddler pulling on her daddy’s leg.
When we view God through rotten experiences with our earthly parents, we project sinful characteristics on him—often without realizing it. Instead, we should start with knowing God and interpret life through the knowledge of him. I had it backwards.
He is a faithful Dad and delights in his kids.
Philippians 2:12-14 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now not only as in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
This is amazing! As I work out my salvation and delight in God I grow in worship. As I work, I am often nearsighted and only see only tasks and duties, yet God shows me that I do not work alone. He is at work—on me!—paying attention to the details of my heart. I can cry, “Abba,” and he hears. He never forsakes my need. He is not distant. He is near and his love is steadfast.
Psalm 147:11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
My heavenly father works on me and is pleased with me because of Jesus. As I repent of independence from him and instead walk in dependence, God softens the hard edges of my heart. I am his daughter, hoping in his steadfast love.