Ten Things Your Dad Might Not Have Told You

Noah Shelton

Life without a father figure is the reality for many. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, one in four children live without some sort of father figure in their life. Additionally, about half of all marriages in America end in divorce (American Psychological Association). The physical or emotional absence of a father leaves voids in communication that are desperately needed. 

The words of a father have the power to create and build up — after all, it was God who created the universe by speaking it into existence. And while it’s true that we all have imperfect fathers who may not have always said the right things (or anything at all), it’s also true that we have a perfect Father in heaven who knows exactly what we need to hear. This is what God says that your dad might not have told you: 

1. I love you more than you could ever know (Romans 8:38-39).

2. I understand you perfectly (Psalm 139:3).

3. I trust you (Numbers 12:7).

4. I see Myself in you, and I like that (Genesis 1:27).

5. It’s okay to feel things and express emotion (John 11:35).

6. I’ve got your back (Zechariah 9:15).

7. You make me happy (Zephaniah 3:17).

8. Our relationship is important to me (John 3:16).

9. I’m here for you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

10. If you ever need anything, just ask (Matthew 7:7-12).

There are many names of God in the Bible. Two of those are Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35), which means “the Lord is present,” and Jehovah Rapha (Exodus 15:26), “the Lord our healer.” God wants to redeem this for us. God wants to exchange the reality of what we have experienced with the truth of who He is. He was, still is, and will always be there.