FATHER’S DAY CAN BE EMOTIONALLY PAINFUL (From the heart of this Bible teacher/Cert. Pastoral Counselor):
I’m thankful for a father who was an imitator of God. He loved God. He loved God’s Word. He loved his family. But many people have/had a father who was abusive or absent.
This can cause a deeply distorted ‘Father-God’ concept. If the earthly father was abusive or absent, almost on an unconscious level there is a struggle trusting and loving God, even believing and receiving God’s love.
If you are hurting, focus on the proof of God’s love. He was willing to come to earth in the flesh as Jesus Christ. He laid down His life on a cross suffering cruel torture to pay the price for our sins.
God fully forgives you! God fully accepts you! God fully loves you! You can do nothing to earn God’s love. Your value comes from God alone as your Creator and your Savior.
Study God’s Word – be transformed by renewing your mind with God’s truth – Romans 12: 1 & 2. Seek God’s truth to replace your painful memories and emotions. If you do not allow God’s truth to heal your brokenness, the pain from the past will flow over into today’s relationships. You will transfer your hurt to others out of your heart’s pain.
A hurting person must refuse to allow the pain from the past to define self in the present. You can only be transformed by God’s Spirit and His Word. Focus on God’s unconditional love.
“Looking unto to Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith” – Hebrews 12: 1 & 2. God’s love is powerful enough to heal the broken in heart. Be encouraged by your heavenly Father!