See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God, and so we are. I John 3:1
What a joy it has been for us at Hidden Heart Ministry through the years to see a new creation come to flower with all the glow of a new bride. Such is the countenance of our guest writer today, Julie Jostrand, a wife of 30 years, mother of two young adult daughters (one of whom was recently engaged). Julie is quickly becoming a prolific writer, giving all credit for her amazing new energy and inspiration to the transforming work of her heavenly Father, who reached out to rescue her from the grip of addiction and settled her in His marvelous Kingdom of light. We pray that, as you read Julie’s letter to the Father, you will delight in His Father-love for you today.
Heavenly Father, I am so happy to be your daughter today and every day! As today is Father’s Day I am grateful that I have the most wonderful of all fathers and that I may call you Abba. Every morning we meet, we love, we share, and you breathe into me your grace and your mercy. You feed me your Word, which is my spiritual nourishment, and I know without it I would surely die.
For so many years, I lived with an absent father. As a child, he loved me from afar. As an adult, he could only love me when I reached up to meet him in his playground. All I really wanted was a lap to sit in and to hear the words, “I love you.” After many years, I have come to realize that my earthly father loved me as best as he knew how.
Abba, thankfully you have helped me to clear out all the bitterness from my heart. You have taught me your truth that without your love abiding in our hearts we are unable to truly love. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1John 4:7
I hope you are not disappointed in me for sneaking a peak at Patrick’s Father’s Day card. The words caught my attention and I immediately thought of you. The card read:
“You show me strength by being gentle.”
“You teach me integrity just by being who you are.”
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving towards all he has made. Psalm 145:13,17
“You give me love by always being there”
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:8
Oh, Father today, I have a lap to sit in and a hand to hold. You reach down to me every day and say the words, “I love You, Julie,” in a whisper and a kiss.
Today, I sing from my heart the words from a song by Chris Tomlin:
You are a good, good father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am.
Happy Father’s Day, Abba!
Julie