4 Reasons You Find the Perfect Father in God

“It’s complicated” sums up how many women would describe their relationships with their dads, both now and when they were kids. Maybe you’re one of them, and you carry the weight of a strained or broken relationship with your father. Perhaps your dad was distant, critical, or simply not there for you emotionally. These relational experiences can leave a lasting impact and make Father’s Day one of those holidays you’d rather skip.

Thankfully, your perfect heavenly Father wants an everlasting relationship with you. He wants to heal your heart and mind by tending to your wounds and replacing them with His truth. If you need healing from a broken relationship with your dad, embrace these 4 truths about your heavenly Father.

Your Father loves you no matter what.

Don’t skim over this one. Sit with that truth for a moment. It’s listed first for a reason. God the Father loves you no matter what. No matter what you do. No matter what you say. No matter what other people say about you or do to you. No matter how much you roll your eyes, talk back, push back, or turn your back. He loves you. Period. Nothing will ever change that truth. Ever. (I can almost hear you saying, “But what about….” Nope. Even THAT won’t change His love for you.)

Paul wrote, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39).

Some dads put conditions around their love. They love their children if they make straight As, hold a good job, or live according to specific expectations in their minds. This emotional barrier can teach a child to strive to earn her father’s love and acceptance. But, with God the Father, He loves you unconditionally. You don’t need to earn His love. He freely gives it to you, just like He gave His One and Only Son to atone for your sins. That’s how much He loves you.

Your Father will never leave you.

God’s love is never going anywhere, and neither is He. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Did you catch that? He will never leave you nor forsake you. The Message translation puts it this way: “God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”

Your earthly dad may be absent or emotionally unavailable. But God the Father will always be with you, offering you a constant touchstone of comfort and guidance. He is not going to leave you to figure life out by yourself. He will guide your steps and give you wisdom when you ask.

Your Father provides for you.

Many women struggle with feelings of inadequacy or a lack of provision stemming from their relationships with their dads. But God the Father will always provide for you. Philippians 4:19 tells us that “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God the Father is your provider, both physically and emotionally. He can fill the gaps left by a dad who couldn’t or didn’t provide, showering you with His abundant blessings.

Your Father redeems you.

God has the power to free you from even the most painful experiences. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He can use your experiences, even the brokenness caused by your dad, to shape you and draw you closer to Him.

Finding healing and forgiveness takes time, but God is always there, waiting with open arms. Spend time in prayer with Him, study the Bible, and allow Him to fill the void left by your earthly dad. Remember the words of Isaiah 61:3: “To provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”