A Father’s Day without a Father
“5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet. He will come before the great and dreadful day of the LORD. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. He will turn the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the earth with a curse.”
Matthias and Elianna comfort one another on another holiday without their father. “Elianna says to her brother, “My heart hurts for my daddy. I miss him so much. I am angry and sad today because he died too soon. He won’t walk me down the aisle on my wedding day, he won’t see my first child.” Matthias holds his sister closely. Without words, his presence reminds her that he is with her and understands her completely.
Sometimes I wish I were more optimistic on particular holidays like these. When I am, I feel as though I am forgetting about countless people. Individuals who feel the sting of loss, regret, and abandonment. They’re only wish is that this day would quickly pass. Children facing this day without their father is beyond comprehension. It is even worse when fathers who are alive and capable of humility don’t reach out to their children. Don’t let Pride steal another day!
But the hope we all have remains the same as the Father of all creation. He is the Father who loved the world immensely with His Perfect Love. He sent His Beloved Son to die on the Cross for the sins of the world. Yes, the sins of our earthly fathers, who carried the legacy burdens of their fathers.
Heavenly Father, as this day ends, You saw the endless tears of sorrow, pain, regret, and grief. None of our tears goes unnoticed in Your sight. You gather our tears in Your bottle. You are the God of comfort. Comfort those who grieve. You are the Father to the fatherless. Lord, for the fathers who are paralyzed with shame and guilt, set them free. You are not a god of condemnation. You are our Father, and we are Your children through Christ our REDEEMER. Redeem what was lost, turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and turn the hearts of the children to their fathers. Let forgiveness and healing come through the Blood of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, cast out every lying spirit, and silence the gossiping tongue that operates out of the father of lies. Let mighty men of God rise, for the fatherless, and mentor our young as You intend. Your word says, ‘You will teach our children. You are the God of hope; fill us with all joy and peace through faith. Let us abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit, in JESUS’ Name, Amen