Father’s Day Joy
“And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father’.” Galatians 4:6 NIV
I have mixed emotions about Father’s Day. Bittersweet memories. On the one hand, my dad could be so loving, charming and fun; on the other hand, not so much. Looking back, I realize that he suffered from undiagnosed depression most of his life. He has been gone almost ten years now. I imagine I am not the only woman who struggles a bit as Father’s Day draws near, for any variety of reasons: grieving a dad that is no longer with you or you are estranged. Or perhaps one who doesn’t remember you due to Alzheimer’s. Maybe your father was abusive or you never knew him.
My older children remember him, and thankfully they have good memories—the fun-loving and mischievous gleam-in-the-eye grandpa, though my oldest daughter tells me she always knew he was the one person whose buttons she never wanted to push, never wanted to see what would happen if she went too far… and she was quite the button-pusher back in the day! My youngest daughter was only two when he died, and my granddaughter not yet born; they will have no memory of him other than pictures and the memory we paint of him. We must choose the colors, textures and theme of that painting wisely.
I love my daddy and I miss him, but he is finally at peace, home with his Father right where he belongs. That same Father is here with me also, and He loves me more than my, or your, earthly father ever could. As a matter of fact, He loved us so much that when His Son cried out to Him “Abba Father” in the Garden of Gethsemene (Mark 14:36), He did not take the cup from Him, but instead He allowed Jesus to go to the Cross for our salvation (John 3:16).
Some of us may not be exactly happy around Father’s Day, but we can certainly have joy. You see, joy is the natural outcome of fellowship with God* (Psalm 16:11).
As the God of the Universe rejoices over us, let us rejoice in Him. “The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy” (Psalm 5:11 NIV).
Abba Father, I pray for my sisters who struggle with Father’s Day a bit, as I do. May we be able to remember the good times with our earthly fathers, and find true joy in the love You have for us today, and for all eternity. Amen.
Your story sounds very much like mine. Dad has been gone for over 8 yrs. A good provider, he was never very involved with our lives personally but for rare occasions. The love was there but not well expressed.