I have a favorite memory of my father which still comforts me since his death over forty years ago. After a Sunday family dinner with my grandmother when I was a little girl, I would sometimes fall asleep in the back seat of the car on the drive home. I would wake up enough to feel my strong father lifting me gently in his arms and carrying me to my bed. What a secure, comforting feeling it was to snuggle close to his shoulder with the scratchy tweed of his jacket warm against my cheek, breathing in his familiar scent of tobacco and shaving cream. The sense of safety, protection and care I experienced in his arms as he carried me has stayed with me as a picture of my father‘s love.

Because we are made in His image we can surmise that God has a “father heart” like the human fathers He created; one which cares for and loves His children on a cosmic scale we can not truly comprehend. But we can see glimpses of this “father heart” in the scriptures, and have some small understanding of the Father’s love for us.

We are His offspring, His children, made in His image…. “Is He not your Father your Creator, who made you and formed you?” – Deut. 32:6 (NIV)

He is the protector of the powerless…. “A father to the fatherless, defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” – Ps. 68:5

He yearns over His children when they stray… “I thought you would call me Father and not turn away from following me.” – Jer. 3:19

He never gives up on us…. “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” – Luke 16:24

He provides for our needs…. “For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” – Matt .6:8

Through Christ we can have an intimate relationship with God…. “You received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry “Abba, Father.” – Rom. 8:15

He trains us towards holiness…. “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.” – Heb. 12:10

His love for us is beyond measure…. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – I John 3:1

The father heart of God beats eternally and inexhaustibly with love for His children. To rest in His strong arms, close to His heart is to know unshakeable security. Allow your Heavenly Father to carry you close to His heart, for “the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” – Deut. 33:27