Golden Nugget: Just as a loving parent responds to their children with compassion, so God responds to our needs. 

Daily Message:

The human capacity for love—particularly the love of a parent for their children—has long been a topic of interest to psychologists. My wife and I quickly realized that, though our sons would be reared by the same parents, each child had a different personality and set of needs. From birth, they developed unique ways of relating to the world around them. Their uniqueness impacted our parenting and provided insights into how to relate to each child as an individual.

As they have matured and entered into adulthood, our desire to have a close relationship with them hasn’t changed. Our love for them continues. To this day, we intuitively recognize indicators in their voices or behaviors when something is amiss; sometimes we know without any obvious signal that something is wrong. When this is the case, we desire to respond to them with compassion and understanding.

In Psalm 103:13, King David described God’s response to our pain and suffering: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” God responds to those who are his as a loving father does to his children. 

Consider This:

• What models of loving and nurturing parents have you experienced?
• Do you think of God as a loving and nurturing parent to you?
• Are you open with God about the things that are troubling you?

Take Action:

Try to imagine God as a loving parent who desires to have an intimate relationship with you. Talk with him, letting him know the joys and pains of your life. Explore the Bible to identify those characteristics of God that make him a loving, compassionate father.