Every Father’s Day, I struggle to find my dad the perfect gift to show my appreciation. If you also share the burden of having an overly awesome dad, you can probably relate to how difficult it becomes to try and reciprocate unconditional love by giving him a new tie. Although he’ll love it — or pretend to love it — you might still feel like you wish you could do more.
When we break it down to the basics, our fathers are more than just parents. Our fathers are our friends, our role models, the ones who offer to build unnecessary appliances just for the fun of it. Most importantly, my dad has always been the perfect image of my heavenly father. Yes, I might be a biased daddy’s girl, but here are three Bible verses that make me think of my dad.
The first verse is Proverbs 22:6, which says to "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." I personally love this verse as it gives the assurance that people remain loyal to what they were taught as children. In my own experience, my dad has always been there to teach me right from wrong. My dad is the best role model in my life and always thinks of my best interest before making decisions or acting any particular way. Along with my mom, my dad was very firm in his beliefs and didn’t allow the inconvenience of stubborn children to waver his way. I’m so thankful to my dad for dedicating his time to teach me the greatest lessons in life.
The second verse is Proverbs 14:26, which states, "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children, it will be a refuge." This verse is comforting on so many levels and holds true when tested. Fathers who trust in God and build their foundation on God make the lives of their children so much easier. I don’t know where I’d be in life if my father wasn’t so strong in his faith and wasn’t always motivating me to follow in his footsteps. This verse commends man for putting his trust in the Lord and further encourages him by promising a refuge to his children.
Lastly, Deuteronomy 1:29-31 mirrors the love of a father to the love and guidance of God. The verse states, "Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified, do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." There is no love like the love of a father who carries you through hardships. No only will he carry you but he will take you all the way out of hardship and into the place of rest. A father is the one who cares for you and reassures you during difficulties; there is no stronger bond or greater comfort.
Although these verses were only a few of many that highlight the unconditional love and guidance of a father, they are my favorite because they truly remind me of my own. Happy Father's Day, dad!
