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

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. Maybe hearing the word "father" is a painful reminder of his absence, of him not being there when you needed him the most. 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. So, if you're feeling lost, abandoned, or unloved God's house is your home! There, your family in Christ awaits you with open arms!

Act

Take this moment to thank God for His unconditional love. Who you can extend that same love to today? Perhaps someone you see standing by themselves at church?

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.