Journey of Faith, June 21, 2020

“I pray to you, O Lord, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help. Answer me, O Lord, for bounteous is your kindness; in your great mercy turn toward me.”
(Psalm 69:14)

Friend,

I wonder if the writer of Psalm 69 knew about Father’s Day. It certainly seems that way.

This scripture is the perfect prayer of humility for any man raising offspring and seeking God’s help to fulfill his many special, and sometimes difficult, roles— as caregiver, consoler-in-chief, and faithful follower of the Gospel.

Fathers are ever protective of their flock. They are vigilant, they do all they can to shield their children from harm. But fatherhood is also a delicate balance between protecting an innocent child and allowing that child to grow. How much freedom? How much control? These are the challenges of fatherhood.

Father’s Day is a good time to stop and think how much God loves and understands us—in the same way we are called to understand those we love, serve, and wish to protect. Today’s scripture is asking for understanding… for kindness… for generosity. All the things we associate with good fathering.

Friend, whether you are a father, or celebrating someone who is, say a prayer with me that God will bless men of good will everywhere with strength for the journey. May they always be a reflection of God’s fatherly love.