You Have a Good Father

by John Eldredge, Knowing the Heart of God

Look at the birds of the air. Consider the lilies in the field. Are you not much more valuable to your true Father than they? — Matthew 6:26, 28

Are you not much more valuable to your true Father than they?

Hmmm. I’m not sure how to answer. I mean, of course, there’s the “right” answer. And then there is the wound in our hearts toward fatherhood, and there is also the way our lives have gone.

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” (Matthew 18:12).

Yet another question, pressing into the submerged fears in our hearts, another question wanting another answer. Well? Wouldn’t he?

“And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost” (Matthew 18:13–14).

Wherever you are in your ability to believe it at this moment in your life, at least you can see what Jesus is driving at.

You have a good Father. He is better than you thought. He cares. He really does. He’s kind and generous. He’s out for your best.

This is absolutely central to the teaching of Jesus.

What was your dad like? Maybe he tried his best but disappointed you, or was apathetic towards you. Or maybe your father was not a good man at all. Have the trials and struggles of life affected what you think about God the Father's love for you? Pause for a moment and meditate on Matthew 18 and embrace your heavenly Father's intentional love for you.