The spiritual, emotional, and physical impact of a father is immeasurable. While secular thinkers downplay the significance of a father’s presence—our society suffers globally. We have an epidemic of lost or missing dads; therefore, we must celebrate those men who are or were unafraid to take the helm of leadership through perilous days. There’s no better model for earthly fathers than that of their heavenly Father. These 10 Bible scriptures will encourage every good man to step up to the plate of fatherhood with the help of the Holy Spirit:
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5).
When a husband loves his wife and children unconditionally—they become free to be everything God created them to be. Because the love of their father is firm, they enjoy security in their relationship with him and each other. Just as our heavenly Father gave up His Son, these fathers give up their own ambitions in the name of love for their family.
“But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer” (Psalm 66:19).
This type of father listens carefully and deeply to those he loves to even hear what they aren’t saying. His active listening helps them come to answer their own problems with thoughtful questions and gentle suggestions. Just as the heavenly Father listens patiently to our prayers, these fathers have learned the art of being good listeners to the requests and needs of their family.
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry” (Psalm 10:17).
The devil and the world will attempt to discourage his family through trials, temptations, and tragedies. This father recognizes the spirit of discouragement and relies on the leadings of the Holy Spirit to share a comforting word at just the right time. Just as the heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to comfort His people, these fathers offer a different perspective to life’s dilemmas.
“For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you” (Deuteronomy 23:14).
A good man takes the necessary precautions to protect his family’s spiritual, emotional, and physical health. He doesn’t pass on this responsibility to his wife’s shoulders; rather he willingly puts up strong boundaries and disciplinary measures for their protection. Just as our heavenly Father offers protection through godly counsel, these fathers bravely step up for their families with instruction.
“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14).
This good man recognizes how the Lord will provide for all his family needs. Therefore he follows the Lord in providing for his family through wise budgeting, savings, and investments to take care of his family. Just as the heavenly Father provides, these fathers work hard to provide without worshipping their jobs.
“Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors” (Psalm 27:11).
This father courageously leads his family in taking the narrow road after Christ rather than the wide road of passivity and selfishness. He leads by example of living the word of God and not just talking about it. Just as the heavenly Father leads those who put their trust in Him, these fathers lead in rightousness even when faced with ridicule or tauntings from the world.
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you” (Psalm 86:5).
A good man chooses to forgive his family members immediately and without resentment. He doesn’t dismiss discipline when necessary, but by the grace of God—he is able to wisely use every opportunity of forgivenss as a reflection of God’s forgiveness. Just as our heavenly Father freely forgives, these fathers instill a sense of peace in their children when he forgives.
“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5).
This type of father takes great effort in dealing with his wife and children in an understanding way. He relies on the Lord to give him insight and direction to connect with his family especially when they make mistakes. Just as our heavenly Father understands our weaknesses, these fathers recognize their influence to help their family members overcome their faults.
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Psalm 34:11).
This man of God takes the time to teach his family the principles of Christ in addition to the teaching they receive at church. His devotion to prayer and Bible study (in spite of the busyness of life’s activities) offer precious teaching moments that will last a lifetime. Just as our heavenly Father teaches His people through circumstances, these fathers use every opportunity as a teaching moment.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (1 Peter 3:9).
The good father stands in the gap and waits by the road for his prodigals to come home. He doesn’t give up even when it seems like they want him to. Rather he sets his face towards the Lord with intercessory prayers and supplications. Just as our heavenly Father patiently reaches out to the lost, these fathers refuse to throw up their hands and walk away.
Jesus established that the Heavenly Father wants to enjoy a fatherly relationship with each of His children. Through the promptings of the Holy Spirit, any father who turns to God for help can be the best dad for those children he’s been given by God. There’s nothing impossible for the heavenly Father to do through earthly fathers who submit to Him.
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.