January 4 – A Father Like No Other
God’s desire for you since the first day of Creation was to invite you past your fear of him, so you can discover what it means to love him. He offers you an intimate friendship that will transform you as he becomes the all-consuming passion of your life.
He will be the voice that steers you through every situation, the peace that sets your heart at rest in trouble, and the power that holds you up in the storm. He wants to be closer than your dearest friend and more faithful than any human being.
I know it sounds too good to be true. How can mere humans enjoy such a friendship with the Almighty God who created all that we see with a word? Do I dare think that he would know and care about the details of my life? Isn’t it presumptuous to even imagine that this God would take delight in me, even though I still struggle with the failures of flesh?
It would be if it were your idea. It was his, however, long before you even considered it. He’s the one who offered to be your loving Father—loving you and caring for you in ways no earthly father ever could.
He knows you better than you know yourself; he loves you more than anyone ever has; he knows that when you relax into that reality, you will discover that all of your fears, including your fear of him, will be destroyed.
But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 (NIV)
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This reflection is taken from Wayne Jacobsen’s new book, Live Loved Free Full. Since the delivery of the print edition was delayed due to COVID issues in production, we are posting daily here until it is available. The e-book is already out on Kindle if you prefer that version. If you haven’t pre-ordered your hardback copy yet, you can do so here.
I am so grateful for these devotionals being posted here, in lieu of your book being delayed. My finances are very limited right now, so I appreciate being able to share and am being very blessed by these here at the beginning of the year. Many years ago, your book “He loves me” was one I was led to on what has been a very long journey of understanding and learning to live in our Father’s love. Sometimes it seems there’s been no progress, so I’m always appreciative of encouragement such as I am receiving here. Thank you so much for making these available. God bless you, Wayne🙂