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The Dad You Never Had

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Dear God...

Where should I begin my story? Or rather, where does my story begin? I remember that my dad started beating me when I was little, but I guess I was too little to run away or hide. Then there were the drugs. My dad had all kinds of strange people come and go at all hours of the night. I guess I wouldn't have noticed how much my mom was crying if they hadn't kept me awake with loud talking and cussing.

The picture gets clearer as I remember growing older. One day that really stands out was the time the cops came and took my dad away. For a while it was nice not having to walk on eggshells because of his bad temper, but when you don't see your dad for over five years, you actually start to miss even the occasional smile or pat on the head.

Sometimes I wonder what a real childhood would have been like. Oh my world was real enough - too real sometimes. But I didn't have a childhood because I had to be an adult at such a young age. I had to be grown up enough to explain my bruises to my younger sister, and mature enough to comfort my mom when my dad had another one of his 'episodes'. Most of all, I had to be grown up enough to realize that even though my dad is now out of prison and long gone, my memories of him have locked me in a prison of loneliness, mistrust, and complete worthlessness.

So that's my story, but last week my story took a new turn. I went to a meeting called youth group with a new friend I made at school. There was a guy there who made a speech, and normally I would tune those things out. But he started talking about You, God - and for the first time in my life I felt like an escape from my prison was possible. He talked about You being a true and perfect Father to anyone who put their trust in Christ for salvation.

So I did. Not only because I don't want to go to hell, but also because I do want what I never had before...a relationship with a dad that is loving and permanent.

Is that possible God? Are you truly my father? Can I trust you to always be there and always care?

Can you even hear me?

Your Child

My Child-

Not only can I hear you, but I know everything about you. (Psalm139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31) For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27) In me, you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:27-28) For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you, when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth, and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 13:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41, 42, 44) I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1John 3:1) Simply because you are my child, and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)

Every good gift that you receive, comes from my hand. (James 1:17) For I am your provider, and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart, and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) For it is I, who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) And nothing will ever separate you from My love again. (Romans 8:39-39) I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15) 1

Love,

Your Heavenly Daddy

¹Adapted from www.fathersloveletter.com - used by permission

Head: What you need to know about this truth

When a person puts his/her trust in Christ alone for salvation, he/she instantly becomes a child of God, which means He is our heavenly Daddy who has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5). We all have imperfect earthly fathers, but Christians have a perfect heavenly Father.

Heart: What you need to feel about this truth

Feel loved, cherished, valued, appreciated, treasured, and constantly watched over and cared for by a Father who cares more about you than you can possibly imagine. There's nothing you can do to make your heavenly Father love you more, and there's nothing you could ever do to make Him love you less.

Hands: What you need to do about this truth

Write a letter back to God in response to His letter to you above. Remember that everything in that letter is absolutely true, because every one of those statements comes from God's own Word - the Bible. Also, know that you have friends who are probably feeling some of the same things you are, so this week, get together with them and talk through some of your memories and issues from your childhood, and how God can heal the past.