Psalms 68:5, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..."

Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"

Think

Absalom was having "daddy issues." Although his father, King David, was a mighty warrior, talented musician, and wise politician, he lacked parenting skills. He was an absentee father who didn't discipline his children - even for unthinkable acts such as rape. So, Absalom held a fierce grudge when David did nothing after his brother, Amnon, raped his sister, Tamar. And because of his pent-up anger, Absalom sought revenge against his father - which, as we'll discover this week, didn't turn out so well.

With that in mind, what immediately comes to mind when you hear the word "father?" Maybe it's memories of your own father and special times you've shared. Perhaps, like Absalom, hearing the word "father" is a painful reminder of his absence when you needed him or his shortcomings and mistakes. Or, maybe nothing comes to mind because you never knew him.

God knows this! And because of His amazing love and constant provision, He fills in the gaps that even earth's greatest dads can't fill. No parent is perfect, and, unfortunately, some are at the absolute opposite end of the spectrum. But God is perfect! And that is precisely why the Bible says He's a "father to the fatherless."

There is security and comfort in knowing we are loved unconditionally by our Heavenly Father, who, according to His Word, "will never leave or forsake us!" Always with our best interest in mind, God places people in our lives to carry out His work. That's the beauty of the local church, which brings hope to the hopeless as we support one another through the power of His love!

Act

Take this moment to thank God for His unconditional love. Who can you extend that same love to today?

Pray

Dear God, Thank You for loving me regardless of what shape I'm in. Help me receive the unconditional nature of Your love and open my heart to love others the way You love me. In Jesus' name, Amen.