Summer Vibes OnlySample

YOU HAVE A DAD

Even those with amazing dads wrestle with daddy issues.  

Dads can come across as indifferent, distant, or absent. Maybe your dad is unpredictable, getting angry for what seems like no big deal. Some dads lecture; some dads don’t talk enough.  

If you’ve been around church for more than a week, you’ve probably heard a pastor call God your heavenly Father. That can be a little alarming if the person you call “Dad” wasn’t trustworthy, faithful, or good to you. 

No matter what daddy issue you bring into your relationship with God, take comfort in knowing that your heavenly Father is the one thing your earthly Father could never be — perfect. 

God the father you always wanted, always longed for, always thought was too good to be true. He is compassionate, gracious, and forgiving. He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6-7). 

This is the God Jesus called, “Daddy,” and this is the God who we get to call “Dad,” too. 

A.W. Tozer says what we think about God is the most important thing in our lives. It influences everything about you. Everything. How you think about yourself, how you act, how you talk, it all boils down to what you think about God. 

Are you thinking about God like a perfect Dad? How would your relationship change if you did?

Respond

• Is your dad considerate, kind, selfless, brave, and fiercely protective of you? Would that change the way you think about yourself?  
• What is one thing you wish your earthly dad was? Do you think your heavenly Father has that quality?