“Becoming a new dad is one of the best ways to understand God’s deep love for you.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 15, 2021
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:4-5
When my husband Clark held our first grandson, Hudson, shortly after his birth, he rocked him gently in his arms, held him close—and softly sang songs from 70s sitcoms to him: the Brady Bunch, Green Acres, and the Beverly Hillbillies. Within moments, little Huddy fell fast asleep. Even now, the memory makes me chuckle. Grandpa has the touch!
As I reflect on these precious moments, I wonder how my husband must have felt when his delightful kids came into the world—and I wonder how new fathers must feel as they hold the hand of their newborn baby. Oh! How their hearts must swell with the honor being the guardian of a tender life. . . an arrow shot into the future (Psalm 127:4-5).
Because Father’s Day is upon us, I sat down with my husband for a few minutes to get his thoughts on the blessings of becoming a new dad. Here’s what he had to say.
A deeper kind of love
“A different kind of love grows in you and lives in you when you become a dad. As a new father, I understood God’s affection for me in a deeper way. I understood Him as protective of me, proud of me, forgiving of me—and I knew that He loves me unconditionally. For the first time I was confident that God wants the best for me because I want the best for my kids.”
Indeed, becoming a new dad is one of the best ways to understand God’s deep love for you—and to become more aware of who God made you to be. Becoming a dad can help you rest in the unconditional, merciful love of the God whose love never fails.
A deeper sense of manhood
“Becoming a dad reveals and refines the manly characteristics that make men, men . . . such as provision, protection, and guidance. When I became a father, I had an innate desire to protect and provide for the kids God gave me so I could help them on their journey . . . so that they could become all God wanted them to be. All the traits that differentiate men from women become more important in a man’s life when he becomes a dad. It’s one of the best ways a young man can become a mature man. When a man understands he is responsible for someone else, it can call him to a higher standard.”
A deeper emphasis on what matters most
“Becoming a new dad makes you realize what really matters in life. It’s not the big gifts or big vacations that kids remember most. It’s the little things that have the most impact on them. It’s the times you spent fishing, attending your child’s class play, or sharing a laugh that sticks with the heart of a child. When I think about my own childhood, it was the little moments with my dad that mattered most. A wise young father will remember this and not only provide for his family but remember to balance provision with a little fun too. Little moments can have a big impact.”
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Prayer
Lord, thank you so much for making me a dad. Thank you for the blessings of fatherhood and thank you for the way you have shaped me by being responsible for children. You are my good, good Father. Please help me to follow your example in every way. Amen.
Application
Tell your kids that you love them today and that you are grateful for them.
Related Reading
Proverbs 13:24; James 1:22; Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Worship Resource
Chris Tomlin –Good Good Father
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