Yoder: Singing over us: A Father’s Day reflection

I’m grateful for my dad. A man of integrity, he was a hard worker, loved his family, and always put us first. He and my mom took us to church and Sunday School. We grew up rooted in the Word. Dad loved being a grandpa. Proud of the fact that he never changed a diaper, he would do anything else for his grandchildren.

My husband Dave was the same way. He took to being a father like some men take to golf. No matter what happened in our lives, he was always there for our son, Ethan, and for me. He loved both our families and would do anything for them. His faith only grew stronger as he got older. As a father, he always hit a hole in one.

I’m grateful for two brothers who are wonderful dads and grandpas. I admire the traits they’ve received from our dad and the legacy of love they’ve passed on to their families.

The Lord has given me wonderful friends who are either married to amazing fathers or are great fathers themselves. I cherish knowing men of integrity who love the Lord and strive to follow in His footsteps, pouring love into their families. But I know not everyone shares these blessings. For some, Father’s Day stirs pain instead of joy.

Some people grow up without a father or a father figure. Some would be better off if they’d never known their father. Some are even afraid to become fathers because they fear they’ll end up being just like their own dad. Still others quietly carry brokenness and despair in their hearts like heavy suitcases that only weigh more as the years pass by.

If that’s you, I’m sorry life has been hard. The pain of an absent or hurtful father can linger, but you’re not alone. Cry out to our Father in Heaven. He’s not a distant God who ignores you. He won’t hurt you or leave you an orphan. Try writing a letter to God about your hurt, or find a trusted friend or pastor to pray with you. Small steps toward Him can lighten those heavy suitcases.

In Zephaniah 3:17, God promises His presence even in dark times: “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

The Lord rejoices over you with loud singing. You’re precious to him. He doesn’t whisper his enthusiasm about you. It’s loud and unrestrained, joyful singing. He’s not absent. If we draw near to God, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). Don’t be afraid to draw near to the Father. He loves you. In fact, He is love.

Maybe your life has been filled with disappointments. Maybe fatherhood or love hasn’t come. Maybe your children are distant and uncaring. Maybe you’re missing your dad this Father’s Day, or your husband, or both like me. Perhaps you’re missing your son. Or your best friend, your brother, or someone who’s like a father to you.

Whatever your pain, God hears the unspoken, collecting your tears in a bottle. Call on Him, for “whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Don’t let bitterness take root; seek those who’ve walked your road.

Yet even in brokenness, God provides love through others who step up. Thank you to all who’ve stepped up and loved a child. You may be a traditional father. You may be a mother, a grandpa or a grandma, a foster parent, a step parent, a friend, a neighbor or someone else. Whoever you are, thank you for making a difference in another’s life. Happy Father’s Day to you.

Happy Father’s Day to the greatest Father, our Heavenly Father, who calls us His children (1 John 3:1). This Father’s Day, whether you’re celebrating or grieving, pause to thank God for His everlasting love. Let His song over you bring peace to your heart.

Kathy Yoder is a devotional writer. Reach her at kathyyoder4@gmail.com or Kathyyoder.com.