his love letter to me

My dad is the best man I know. He has always, always done right by my mom, and he has always, always done right by us. To me, that in itself shows more substantial character than pretty much anything else. And although he may be the best daddy in the world, he has still taught us that there is one better still: our heavenly father. Today mark morrow did what he always does on a sunday morning: he passionately spoke to his church. He talked about why God allows suffering and how God wants to see us use our hurt and pain to make us better, not bitter. I've been reading The Father's Love Letter and learning more about the character of God and his own perspective of me, his child. I have learned that while yes, people suffer and yes, I suffer, God has claimed himself the father who comforts me throughout all my troubles.

"God wants to pick you up, give you a hug and whisper your name in your ear. You are His child and He is your father. This is your destiny; this is what you were created for. When you let Him love you in this way, as a father loves his little child, you will begin to realize that the need for love and affirmation you had as a little child is still deep within you. When you allow yourself to be embraced by God, you begin to see that this is what you've been looking for all your life. You may have searched for it in your career, in a relationship, or in many other things, but you will find it only in one place - in the arms of your heavenly Father."

Lord, I pray that you would give me the grace to become more childlike. I want to lose myself in your unfailing love. Help me to walk in the simplicity of faith that allows me to trust you wholeheartedly for all my needs.

"God is the Father of compassion and of all comfort. When you need comfort most, he is faithful to be by your side through all your pain and disappointment. He weeps with you, and his heart breaks with yours. Your heavenly Father wants to hold your hand as you walk through the seasons in your life. You were never meant to shoulder these burdens on your own. God wants to comfort you with his tender love."

Lord, please heal, restore, and give favor. Thank you for staying true to all your promises -- promises to remain faithful, to hold me, to comfort me, and to love me. And the promise that you are my father. And I am your child.

I love you.

-d