Heavenly Parenthood || Psalm 73:25-26 || Manna for the Mind #24

Welcome to Day 24 of my “Manna for the Mind” devotional series! This series takes a passage of scripture (typically 1-3 verses) and builds its understanding through its context and connecting scripture. Doing this helps us understand what the Bible truly teaches us. 

Psalm 73:25-26

25          Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

26         My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

From birth to death, God has us continually in his grip. He holds on to us like a parent does for their child. Protecting it when in danger, comforting it when hurt, loving it when needed, and raising it as time passes. There’s nothing better than a parent’s love on earth. Unfortunately, there are those of us who don’t have that privilege. Parents who abandon their kids, abuse their kids, and treat their kids inhumanely walk among us today. Regardless of why they do it, there’s no justification for abuse. It leaves people with wounds bigger than anything they can manage. Some people go to therapy and heal from it, some people accept the situation, and most pass it; some people write off being a parent because of how they were treated and don’t want to risk them treating their children the same way, and others continue the abuse they receive.

The church does a fantastic job acknowledging this, especially around Mother’s and Father’s Day. Yet, we don’t often hear the encouragement of your heavenly parent (depending on your view of God). We don’t hear the encouragement to run to him for comfort, guidance, and love that you should’ve received from your earthly parent. People’s view of parenting on earth does affect the view of God as a parent, so why aren’t we bridging the gap. Why aren’t we encouraging people that a heavenly father exists and never leaves them through all their struggles? Who was mourning and weeping next to them as they received their abuse or neglect? Who heard all the questions of why God was letting it happen to them? God welcomes all your frustrations, questions, and anger, but know that the behavior your parents treated you with was wrong. It wasn’t God-like at all. Their behavior was based on their tradition, their hurt, and their unresolved abuse, and they did what they knew regardless of whether they recognized it as right or wrong. Yet you, who survived through the other side. You can change the narrative. You can break those chains and not allow the next generation of your family tree to suffer like you did. I’m not saying it made you stronger. You had to survive. You had to cope. You had to adapt and sacrifice, but now you can thrive. Sharing your story with people is a great way to build a community. Find those around you wrestling with the same questions of whether they want to parent. God’s holding you tight; know you will receive a new life.

Becoming a Christian shares in the re-birthing process through baptism. We are putting to death our old ways of living, moral and ethical foundations, and communications and working towards a more Christ-like way. All this leads to our eternal life up in heaven. While our physical forms will pass away on this existence, our spirits will join God in heaven, where we will live eternally. Though our courage and strength may fail, we know that one day, we will be raised to live to serve him forever. God provides our security and eternal life, so we must cling to him.

Father God, we thank you for being our heavenly Father. People on earth are not perfect. They make mistakes. Hurt one another. It makes life difficult. Yet you are perfect. You are sinless. Please help us remember that you are our Heavenly Father and are closer to us than anyone else. We will always run into your open arms, especially when our earthly parents won’t love us. It’s in your name, we pray. Amen.