Many times, when we hear or read this scripture in Isaiah 9, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”, we are in the Christmas season or thinking about Christmas. These days in the busyness of my own life and the uncomfortable “unknown” of where I am headed or where the world is going and the chaos that seems to be unfolding around us, I am comforted and consoled by the thought of these two words-Everlasting Father found in this passage. When I think of being a child of God- ‘daddy’s little girl’, my heart is filled with peace. I am brought to a place of safety when I think about how much the Father loves me.
I wasn’t always sure of where we were going, but I was always sure that because I was with my dad it was good and I was in good hands.
I remember being a little girl and loving to take walks with my dad. I was excited to go wherever it was that he was going and to wherever it was that he was leading me. I would confidently put my hand in his and although it felt like I was skipping, even running sometimes just to keep up, I was happy to take two or three steps for every big step he took. Walking with dad brought a sense of adventure. Walking with dad brought comfort. I always felt safe and protected. My dad was obviously bigger than me and I felt strong in his presence. There was a feeling that I was indestructible because dad was with me. It didn’t matter if there were cars or animals or even other people that made me feel scared, my dad was with me and nothing could happen to me while I was with Him. If he needed to, he would stop and stand in front of me to shield me from danger and calm my fear of dogs. If I was too tired when the journey seemed too long or too far, dad would lift me up and carry me. If I tripped or got hurt, we would find a place to sit and he would hold me on his lap, dry my tears and hug me. Dad always knew what to do. He knew what I needed and when I needed it. I wasn’t always sure of where we were going, but I was always sure that because I was with my dad it was good and I was in good hands, even if it was a trip to the doctor! Dad knew best and he wasn’t leaving me to go anywhere on my own. Besides, wherever we ended up, there was going to be a treat given at the end. Do you remember those small soft caramel squares? Hmmm- our favourites!
I am all grown up now and I don’t get to take walks with my dad anymore. As I think about my heavenly father being called “Everlasting Father” it encourages me to know that I can always walk with God and Him with me. Distance and time do not separate us. I smile as I remember my walks with dad and my heart is warmed by the “Everlasting Father” using this memory to speak his truth into my reality. I can hold tightly to his hand with great confidence. He is a Father that I can trust. I can boldly say “where he leads me, I will follow.” Walking with my Everlasting Father is a walk of obedience and adventure. I don’t always know where I am going but I can trust he goes before me. He is a Father that will always cover and protect. There is no danger that the Everlasting Father can’t handle. My Everlasting Father accepts me just the way I am. I can be totally comfortable with Him. I don’t have to hide anything from Him. When I am hurt or tired, I can climb into his lap and receive the rest, comfort and healing I need. His strong arms lift me up and carry me. I will never outgrow walking with the Everlasting Father and… he gives treats too. He gives really good gifts, better than I can imagine. There is always a blessing that comes from his hand. There is even a greater blessing just holding his hand. The best gift is His everlasting presence. Even before we knew or accepted Him, our Father already decided and declared “And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)
I will gladly remain in His love and arms. He will not let go of me. He will not let go of you. Dear children, everlasting means always. Our Father loves us and is with us forever and always.
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