I’m happy on this day to be the father of three wonderful kids. I’m also happy to have enjoyed the gift of a good father (and grandfathers). I’m most grateful to live under the hand of our gracious heavenly Father.

Jesus taught us to pray to our Father:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

The Bible contains lots of names for God, but Jesus instructed us to use Father when praying. Which makes sense coming from the Son, and insightful for me to remember the close familial ties expressed in this prayer.

I know friends who either never knew their father, or experienced a jilted relationship with their father. Many find thinking of God as Father difficult because of their own father’s conduct or absence. Today may be less than joyous for them.

But take heart in these words spoken to David, which encourage those of us attempting to follow our Father:

I’ll be a father to him, and he’ll be a son to me. When he does wrong, I’ll discipline him in the usual ways, the pitfalls and obstacles of this mortal life. But I’ll never remove my gracious love from him (2 Samuel 7:14-15).

No matter your father—or how you father—our Father in heaven remains engaged and steady.

Which is what good Dads do.

Photo by Jon Tyson