Ever been going through a challenging time in your life or career? Do you see the good in it? When that happens do you focus on the challenge or God? When you put your focus on God it opens the opportunity and ability for us to praise God and not lose hope or worry. Today no matter what is going on, let’s decide to cast our cares on God who cares for us so that we can walk in His peace that surpasses all understanding and be the dads who demonstrate in our families the goodness of God.
Let’s pause for a moment and listen to or join in on these songs:
God’s Faithfulness in Trials
Scripture References:
James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Romans 5:3-5: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Key Takeaways:
These verses emphasize that trials are a part of life and have a purpose in God’s plan for our growth. They refine our faith, build our character, and deepen our hope in God. By recognizing this, we can find reasons to praise God even in the midst of difficulties.
Practical Application:
As dads, we can model perseverance and faith for our families by maintaining a positive outlook during tough times. We can openly share how we are trusting God to work through our challenges, thereby teaching our children to rely on God’s faithfulness.
Praise Him for His Goodness
Scripture References:
Psalm 145:3: "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."
Psalm 100:4-5: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Key Takeaways:
God’s goodness and greatness are constant, irrespective of our circumstances. Praising Him for who He is—His love, faithfulness, and enduring mercy—reminds us of His eternal nature and sovereignty.
Practical Application:
In our daily lives, especially as fathers, we can incorporate moments of praise and thanksgiving, teaching our children to appreciate God’s blessings. This can be through family prayers, sharing testimonies of God’s goodness, and singing songs of worship together.
Peace in God’s Presence
Scripture References:
Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Key Takeaways:
God promises peace that surpasses understanding to those who bring their anxieties to Him in prayer and maintain a steadfast mind. This peace is a direct result of trusting in God’s provision and care.
Practical Application:
As fathers, we can demonstrate reliance on God by regularly bringing our concerns to Him in prayer. We can create a family culture where prayer is the first response to stress and anxiety, thereby fostering an environment of peace and trust in God’s provision.
The Power of Praise in All Circumstances
Summary:
No matter the challenges we face, there is always a reason to praise God. Trials refine our faith and produce perseverance (James 1:2-4), and in every situation, we can praise God for His unwavering goodness and enduring love (Psalm 145:3; 100:4-5). By bringing our worries to God in prayer, we experience His peace that guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). As fathers, modeling this attitude of praise and trust in God to our families helps cultivate a home grounded in faith and resilience.
Special Considerations for Dads:
Fathers have a unique role in demonstrating God’s faithfulness through their actions. By openly trusting God, praising Him in all circumstances, and prioritizing prayer, dads can set a powerful example for their children. This helps to instill values of gratitude, perseverance, and reliance on God, equipping the next generation to face their own challenges with faith and hope.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: GOOD, GOOD, NOT GOOD
Verse: Genesis 2:18 (NIV)
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Good…
Today’s devotional kicks off by speaking of creation and how at the end of each day God declared that the works completed were good. God shows us through creation His contentment with each thing He created from the light, the earth and the seas, the plants, and more. Of all that was part of creation do you ever consider what God considered “not good”?
Not Good…
Today’s devotional asks us “did you know there was a point at which God said, “Not Good”?” It had to do with the loneliness that Adam was feeling. Adam needs a companion just as we as dads need our wives. We read in today’s verse how God said “It is not good for man to be alone.” So God decided He had to intervene and do something about it, “creating a wonderful counterpart, Eve, to join with Adam.”
It’s about relationships…
Today’s devotional calls out the importance of relationships in God’s story for our lives. The relationships align with the priorities we’ve spoken about previously. First a relationship with God, second a relationship with our wives, third a relationship with our kids, and finally relationships with others in the world. Today’s devotional points to how “families may struggle with wanting more possessions, believing they will enhance the quality of their lives, but God makes it clear; people are more important than things.”
It’s about People
Let’s be the dads who prioritize our relationship with Jesus first and foremost. Let’s be the dads who prioritize the people God has put into our lives. It means “making time, giving them attention, and energy today.”
“The Most High rules in the children of men.”
GEORGE FOX
