“Dont be afraid, for I am with you! “ Isaiah 41:10
It’s Father’s Day back in South Africa (and some other parts of the world) today. This side of the world (Australia & NZ) celebrates it in September [to give more time for the children to save up and buy their dads a lovely gift, I think. Hint, hint Liam (my son).]
Anyway, I was reflecting on my own Dad, my hero, my role model! I was trying to remember some highlights of our times together or some attribute of his that I could pause on for a moment. Truth is, there are too many to mention – the many times he’s been there to give advice, to lend a listening ear, to be my strength and pillar in some of the darkest times of my life. It would definitely take more space than this post allows. Nevertheless, I’d like to share something I mentioned a few times in sermons before.
My Dad’s been in the teaching profession for the past 50 years. About 30 years ago, Dad served as principal of a night school for a time. Of course this would mean him having to be out quite late on several occasions. I recall as a young boy, on the evenings that Dad was not in, I would really struggle to fall asleep. I would toss and turn; when this got monotonous, I’d turn and toss.
This would go on for hours on end. Mom was jut in the next room. My siblings were there. Still, I could not sleep. Somehow I did not feel secure.
However, there would come a point during the wrestling, that I would hear the familiar sound of Dad’s car pulling into the driveway. Immediately, without fail, the restlessness would cease. By the time Dad’s key turned in the door, I was starting to drift into dreamland. I was lingering in the land of wakefulness, just long enough to feel Dad’s stubbly cheek brush against mine as he pecked me, and with a lowered voice, whispered: “Sleep well Buddy Boy!”
What was the key factor? What caused the fear to flee, and to be replaced by peace? The answer is simple: Daddy was in the house! His presence made the difference!
How many times, in this big wide world, do we wrestle, writhe and worry. We struggle with fear, fretting and frustration. Times of loneliness, longing and lamentation.
There may even be someone who, this Father’s Day, does not have much to celebrate. The earthly father that should have been your strength, may either not have been around, or may not have been the safety, strength and security that you needed him to be.
Whatever your experience may be today, My Friend? Be encouraged! At times you may be lonely, but you are NEVER alone! DADDY IS IN THE HOUSE! We have a promise from the heart of Father God – in fact we have many promises! Our Heavenly Father says: “Dont be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God!”(Isaiah 41:10) “…be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the LORD your God, am with you in all you do.” (Joshua 1:9)
May you rest secure in His abiding presence, His perfect love and His amazing grace!
On this Father’s Day, I salute my earthly Father, and above all, my Heavenly Father, who he introduced me to!
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