The Perfect Dad

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13

David knew. He had felt the pain and experienced the shame of going so far astray that he feared he would never get home again. He knew what it was like to admit all this to God the Father.

But he also knew what manner of father his God was. The bellowing kind, determined to make an example of David for his other children? The sullen kind, who is so hurt, so wounded in pride that one of his sons could do wrong that he withdraws his love into angry silence? The preoccupied “boys will be boys” style that barely acknowledges, much less punishes, a wayward child?

The great Lord of heaven — the One who had the power to bellow, the reason to withdraw and a universe occupying his attention — was none of those. He was a perfect father, tender and compassionate. Why? “For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). David ran like the shepherd boy he was to such a father.

David ran to worship as well, calling to himself and other children of God to “Praise the LORD, my soul … Praise the LORD, my soul … Praise the LORD, my soul” (Psalm 103:1 - 2; 104:1). Do we, children of God just as dear to the Father as the great King David, respond in praise?

As you go through the day, remember your tender, compassionate Father who stands ready to tend you, spare you, rescue you and care for you. Tell yourself to praise him!

PRAYER
Father, I am grateful for your compassion because …