A Good Father

Are you familiar with the song Good, Good Father? It’s by Chris Tomlin and I’ve heard it on the radio several times; many times.

“Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like

But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night

And You tell me that You're pleased and that I'm never alone

You're a good, good Father

It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.”

I was invited to sing special music as a trio at a church in Central Point last Sabbath. I ended up helping lead song service and this was one of the songs we sang. I have been singing it all week!

The lyrics express this personal connection I feel with a loving Heavenly Abba. It also says amidst all these various opinions about You, Father; I believe; I know You; You know me, and I know You love me. It speaks to a presence in my life that those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal Savior simply cannot and will not understand.

The song goes on:

“Oh, and I've seen many searching for answers far and wide

But I know we're all searching for answers only You provide

'Cause You know just what we need before we say a word

You're a good, good Father

It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.”

How many people in the world today are searching for answers? How many people on this spinning planet have a Jesus-sized hole in their heart and they have been unable to fill it with anything they have tried in the world? And they have tried many things!

Maybe you are such a person right now. Perhaps you are tired of the struggles and the unknowns and the what ifs and the what-nexts.

I have found that when people begin exploring faith and studying the Bible, they soon discover a deep sense of fulfillment, purpose, and a feeling of being truly understood and loved.

Despite what the world believes and teaches about heaven, I have a deep sense of reassurance, love, and affirmation coming from this relationship. This very real connection I have with my Heavenly Father, with Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, even my guardian angels, are very comforting to me. Though I live alone, I never feel alone because They are with me.

Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." – ESV

Friend, God has a plan for your life, and He promises not to abandon you. We might abandon Him or choose not to believe, but it will not be He that leaves.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord,…” Jeremiah 29:11-14

God's promise of a plan designed specifically for each of us, a plan for goodness and hope, carries an incredible weight. It's a reassurance that resonates deeply in my heart. I hope it does the same for yours.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 reflects the tender embrace of a loving Creator, inviting us to seek Him earnestly. This invitation, to call upon Him and pray, assures us that He listens, and when we wholeheartedly seek His presence, He reveals Himself to us.

The beauty lies not only in His plans but also in the intimate relationship He desires with each of His children. The promise is not just about the plan; it's about the closeness we can have with Him as we journey through the plan.

Yes, God has a plan, and it includes you! You and me! Simply AMAZING!

John 14:18 (ESV): "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

This verse echoes the sentiment of intimacy and assurance we are promised.

Christ's words, "I will not leave you as orphans," convey a deep commitment on His part and show our Lord’s deep desire for companionship with us. These words were spoken to His disciples, but they apply to us today. Jesus’ physical absence would not, and does not, equate to abandonment.

Instead, He promised a continued presence, a spiritual connection that surpasses physical boundaries.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17 ESV

The promise of His continual presence should be a strong anchor in the midst of any storm life brings your way. Uncertain times? There will be many. Not enough money? Undoubtedly. Family relations strained? Yes. Bad news from the doctor? Too often. But when Satan tries to steal your joy, remember that even when the world feels overwhelming or lonely, His comforting presence remains steadfast. He will NEVER leave you.

by Jeanette Stark – Friday, November 17, 2023