JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Trust, today’s Focus on God examines the phrase, “Our Father in heaven.”

According to Matthew 6:9, Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

When earthly fathers are not loving examples for us, this is sometimes a difficult description to accept. However, other passages of Scripture lay out God’s design for fatherhood.

The Apostle Paul wrote in First Thessalonians 2:11 and 12, “You know how we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” And Hebrews 12:10 tells us that God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”

God’s grace moves us to embrace Him as our Heavenly Father. In the process of knowing Him this way, He brings out the best in us.

Having God as our Heavenly Father is a reason to trust in God for today and forever.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com