My dad has really long legs! When I was little, I remember walking beside him while he was going at a normal pace and having to run to keep up with him. In a crowded room though, it was always easy to pick him out when I was little. One of my early memories, from when I was around 4 years old, took place in our church. I walked up to a pair of long legs and wrapped my arms around them happy to have found my dad and ready to go home. When I looked up, the man I saw had a beard. My dad didn’t have a beard! A rush of embarrassment came over me. Even today I remember that awful feeling of insecurity and awkwardness. I wanted nothing more in that moment than to disappear. As a child I found security being near to my dad. My dad would always protect me, and that made me feel safe!

One of the most beautiful and meaningful titles used of God in the Scriptures is the title, Heavenly Father. I was blessed to have an earthly father that loved me and cared for me. I am grateful for that, and I know that is not the reality for many children. However, no matter one’s earthly father, the true love and real security we all long for is found in our Heavenly Father. This love and security came at the highest of costs , it came only as God the Father spared his Son no pain, turning his face away as Jesus hung on the cross.

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will”

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

The thought of God turning His back on His only Son is astonishing, yet it was in that moment that God’s eternal love and blessing was secured for all who trust in Him. “He who spared not His own Son, but freely gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? “ The paradox and the beauty of the gospel is this, God turned his back on the Son in order that He will never turn his back on me. “For God so loved that He gave His Only Son”. Now, based on that unshakable foundation, I can forever run to my Heavenly Father and know his love, acceptance, and peace.