Delighting in God’s Word (Part 9): God, our Good Father

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 119:65

Lord, you have treated your servant well,
just as you promised.

(CSB)

Our view of our earthly fathers affects our image of our Heavenly Father.  This tarnishing of our image of God negatively affects our faith if we allow it too.  There is also the issue of absent fathers creating no fatherly example to follow, something I experienced when working as a tax preparer. 

The tax code of the United States taxes incomes.  However, to encourage certain behaviors, individuals can deduct interest and taxes on a home as a means of promoting home ownership.  Tax law also allows for the deduction of charitable contributions as these contributions aide those in need taking pressure off government welfare programs.  Tax law also allows deduction of medical expenses exceeding 10 percent of income, giving relief to those who have experienced a catastrophic illness.   In addition, tax law allows tax payers to claim dependents they support which exposes a tax preparer to the plight of single mothers Raising children in the absence of a father.

Many of these mothers work multiple jobs while balancing family obligations, fulfilling the roles of both parents.  Many of these mothers, like Dr. Ben Carson’s mother succeeded in fulfillment of both roles, raising amazingly successful children.  (1)  For this reason, we should pray for the single mothers and pray fathers will stop being absent in the lives of children and assume their fatherly responsibilities.  I also pray that fathers grow more intimate in their relationship with God, so they provide a better example of Godliness to their children.

The psalmist of Psalm 119:65-72 expresses a desire to learn and have an intimate relationship with God his Heavenly Father.  In this section of Psalm 119 the psalmist acknowledges,

1)      God’s good treatment of him according to the promises contained in the Bible (Psalm 119:65) – God has a plan for each of our lives and according to Jeremiah 29:11, the plan is for our well-being.  Any good father making promises to his children treats his children well by keeping those promises.  Unfortunately, however, our earthly fathers have flaws and sometimes do not keep their promises to us.  We must realize, as the psalmist did, that this does not mean God will fail to keep His promises to us.

2)      A desire to learn discernment and good judgment (Psalm 119:66) – This hunger comes from reliance on God’s Word for the more we expose ourselves to the Word of God and realize how much He loves us, the more we want to have His discernment and good judgment. 

3)      Removal of the affliction of sin has resulted in him keeping God’s Word (Psalm 119:67) – The affliction of sin separates us from God, causing us to disobey God’s Word.  Fortunately, Jesus death on the cross completely forgives us of our sins (Psalm 103:12), empowering us to obey God’s Word.

4)      The goodness of God creates a hunger to learn God’s Word (Psalm 119:68) – The psalmist does not obey to earn God’s love, he obeys because God already loves him.

5)      Obedience despite peer pressure to conform (Psalm 119:69-70) – The arrogant hard-hearted people in the world will try to derail our obedience through pressure to conform to their way of thinking.  Instead of giving in to this pressure we are to allow God’s Word to transform our minds and thinking (Romans 12:2), bringing them into conformity with God’s thinking and point of view.  God’s people are to have a Godly worldview even when it is unpopular. 

6)      Afflictions turn the psalmist to God and not against Him (Psalm 119:71) – The common reaction to affliction in the world is for one to become depressed and discouraged but those believing in Jesus as their Savior view afflictions as temporary roadblocks producing eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).  The Apostle Paul wrote this verse while imprisoned and therefore this statement was a personal statement of faith and an example for us to follow. 

7)      Acknowledges the infinite value of God’s Word (Psalm 119:72) – The psalmist would refuse thousands of gold and silver pieces if it meant losing the instructions he receives from God’s Word. 

The psalmist understood the value of Words spoken by his Heavenly Father, something we all must learn for what we treasure in our hearts is what we value most (Matthew 6:21).  My prayer for those reading this is that they would have a strong relationship with God the Father through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  If you are reading this and already have such a saving relationship with God the Father, I encourage you to strengthen that relationship through regular study of the Word of God.  However, if you nave never asked Jesus to save you from your sins, I invite you to pray with me now,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Your sins no matter how bad they were are now forgiven and you have a saving relationship with God the Father.  I now encourage you to get acquainted with your perfect Heavenly Father through the Bible, the Word of God.  I also encourage you to find a church teaching the Bible, so you can learn more about your perfect loving Heavenly Father and be with others believing as you now do.  May God bless everyone reading this. 

1. Faith Christian Center. Dr. Ben Carson Talks About His Mom (Mother’s Day). https://vimeo.com. [Online] Vimeo. [Cited: March 12, 2018.] https://vimeo.com/65762300.