Let me just say upfront … I have father issues.
Of course, that translates into issues with “men” as well, which might explain the title of this blog! But the fact is that my father issues create another drawback … my father issues affect my relationship with God.
I’ve done Bible studies, read books on the topic, and talked to counselors about the issue. All of those interventions have helped to heal my relationship with God, but I am still on a journey to find more growth in this area—more healing.
Sometimes it’s the “believer’s” view of God that creates friction and distance in a marriage.
I’m not saying that the believer might not be a “good” Christian—whatever that means! Even though my issues with my earthly father have negatively impacted my relationship with my heavenly Father, that doesn’t mean I’m spiritually drifting, ambivalent, or running from God. I actually feel as if my relationship with God has grown deeper and closer throughout the years.
I just know that this one area—my view of my earthly father—has wounded me in my relationship with God and, therefore, with my husband.
So here’s what I’ve done that has been helpful in rebuilding my relationship with God as my Father:
- Made Him a Priority – I pray every day or as close to that as I can. That doesn’t mean I only pray once in the morning, but it does mean that I try to give Him my undivided attention in a focused prayer time each day.
- Call Him by Father – For years I’ve addressed God as “Lord” in my prayers. Now, I’m not saying that’s wrong or bad, but for me, it felt a bit impersonal and removed. So I’ve been practicing referring to God as “Father” in my prayer times and it’s creating a significant emotional shift for me.
- Imagine Him Loving Me – At the beginning of my prayer time, I imagine coming into God’s presence. I imagine him welcoming me before his throne. I imagine that he’s glad to see me, inviting me to sit by him or even embracing me. Sometimes my imagination takes me to other places, like walking with Christ instead of the Father. But it’s always a moving experience and increases my sense of being loved by Him.
- Meditate on His Love – I meditate on verses that remind me of God’s love for me.
Can you relate to what I’ve shared?
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Worthy Bible Studies
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