My Father God is Loving, Gentle, and Protective
Have you ever been yelled out of a room? It’s not fun.
I’ve been the recipient of some real doozies over the years:
“You’re the reason people don’t want to be a Christian.”
“No wonder he doesn’t want a relationship with you.”
“If only you had handled this like an adult” (I was 40 years old at the time).
These are tame compared to some that I can’t put in print.
Unfortunately, in conflict situations, people often resort to name-calling or just downright mean and abusive behavior. I’m certainly not perfect and will readily admit the times I have mishandled conflict. Yet, in some instances it didn’t seem to matter. Even after I tried to repair a situation, the abuses kept coming.
Jesus experienced attacks like this too.
“Who is this who speaks blasphemies?” (Luke 5:21, ESV)
“He is possessed by Beelzebul.” (Mark 3:22, ESV)
“They were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.” (Luke 6:11, ESV)
“The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him.” (Luke 23:10-11a, ESV)
So, where is our loving, gentle, and protective heavenly Father in these situations?
He is exactly where He needs to be: on His throne, ruling the Universe and carrying out His perfect plan. AND, by His Spirit, He is with you, right alongside you in the difficulty.
The question is, are you and I where we need to be? Jesus never mishandled a single situation when he was harassed; he remained submitted to His Father’s authority throughout his life. Are we, as His followers, submitted to the King and snuggled in close like a beloved child, even while the world rages on around us?
The time I received one of the stinging barbs mentioned above, I had read Jeremiah 15 in The Message earlier that morning.
In the first part of the chapter, God affirms His Sovereignty and His attitude toward those who are stiff-necked and refuse to change. Jeremiah then begins his pity party. He complains about how difficult his life is in the turmoil of the rebellious nation, and the abuses he is taking for standing in truth.
Jeremiah said, “Take my side against my detractors. Don’t stand back while they ruin me. Just look at the abuse I’m taking!” Then, Jeremiah got angry at God because He wasn’t ‘fixing it.’ He turned on God and said, “You’re nothing, God, but a mirage, a lovely oasis in the distance—and then nothing!” (15:18)
As a beloved child, Jeremiah received some discipline from the Lord for that statement.
“This is how God answered me: Take back those words, and I’ll take you back. Then you’ll stand tall before me. Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you’ll speak for me. Let your words change them. Don’t change your words to suit them. I’ll turn you into a steel wall, a thick steel wall, impregnable. They’ll attack you but won’t put a dent in you because I’m at your side, defending and delivering.” (Jeremiah 15:19-20, MSG)
I was so thankful for God’s assurance through Jeremiah. That day, during the challenging conversation with a couple we considered very close friends, I was tremendously comforted by God’s promise that He is my defense and deliverer.
But how do we remain strong like a steel wall yet maintain a tender heart like Jesus, who had compassion on people who were “like sheep without a shepherd?”
We remind ourselves of who God is. He is our defender and deliverer.
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.” (Isaiah 42:3)
“I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart...” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Dear Saints, God’s word says that this world contains those who are wise, those who are fools, and those who are wicked. It also says we have an enemy that seeks to steal, kill and destroy. No matter what, we should be prepared to love our enemies and respond in grace and truth. We can do this only when we are “strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10, ESV)
If we are wrong, we don’t have a defense. If we’re right, we don’t need a defense because the Lord is our defense.
We, like Jesus, are to continue entrusting ourselves to the One who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
I renounce the lie that You, Father God, have been mean, cruel, or abusive to me.
I choose to believe the truth that Satan is mean, cruel, and abusive, but You, Father God, are loving, gentle, and protective. (Psalm 18:2; Isaiah 42:3; Jeremiah 31:3; Matthew 11:28-30; Ephesians. 6:10-18)
– Dr. Neil T. Anderson, The Steps to Freedom in Christ, p. 13