Day 5 - God is a Good Father [S01-E05]

In this guided devotional from 21 Days of Prayer & Meditation, Anthony Skinner reflects on the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:20 to show the Father’s relentless love and compassion. This Christian meditation invites you to see God not as a distant or moody authority, but as a good Father who runs toward you, embraces you, and delights in you, no matter how far you’ve wandered. Through scripture, prayer, and stillness, discover the freedom to come home, release shame, and rest in God’s unfailing grace and presence.

SCRIPTURE

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  Luke 15:20 (NIV)

DEVOTIONAL

God is love.  God is a loving father. God is a good father.  And God is in a good mood.  “Love is not easily angered….  Love is not proud and doesn’t demand its own way….Love always perseveres...love is kind.”  

As humans, we all hit our limit.  Regardless of how well we love, there are situations in which we are too tired, anxious, distracted, or overwhelmed to show love's attributes.  We all know what it is like to have to assess the mood of a parent, spouse, teacher, or authority figure to decide if it is a good moment to bring our request or need to them because they are human too - and can hit a limit and not be able to respond in love.  

But God is not like a man.  God is always full of grace.  God is strong enough for us.  God is in a good mood.   He is ALWAYS waiting and watching to be with us.  He keeps no records of wrongs.  Circumstances never sway him.  He loves us.  He likes us.  He wants us.  There is never a wrong time to come to God.

We will always be shocked and surprised by the overwhelming goodness of God.  There will always be a part of us that has a hard time believing that God wants to run towards us, throw his arms around us, and kiss us.  It is simply too great a news.  

QUESTION

Are there any reasons why you think you can’t go to God?  Are there any reasons why you tell yourself you shouldn’t go to God?  How do your reasons line up with the truth of the Father in Jesus’ parable?      

PRAYER

God, thank you for never withholding your love from me.  Thank you that while I was still a sinner, you saw me as worth the sacrifice of your only son.  Just like the Father in Jesus’ parable, you run to me, you throw your arms around me, you want to be with me, you celebrate me!  Thank you that there is no wrong time to come to you, for you are not like a man.  You ALWAYS love me.