“Just as a father cares for his child.” Moses used these words to describe the hand of the Lord on the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. Moses is reminding them of the overflowing care the Lord possesses for His people — the kind of care that can’t be explained in natural terms. Parents can somewhat understand on a deeper level what this care looks like. They understand the love that runs so deep for their children. The love that fuels them to care for, protect, and provide no matter the circumstances — that’s why Moses used it as a comparison. This love that follows the description of 1 Corinthians 13. It’s patient, kind, full of forgiveness, never without hope, protective and selfless. It’s the closest we can get to understanding the love of the Father. 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬-‭11‬‬ adds to this:

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

How much more! How much more will the Lord provide? How much more will He care? How much more will He lead? How much more does He love? When we understand these truths, it changes the way we parent. The way we treat those under our authority changes. The way we love others changes. It all flows from how much we understand the Father’s love for us. 

If you feel like you’re in the wilderness as a parent, ask the Lord for eyes to see His caring hand. He’s there in the newborn trenches. He’s there in the terrible twos. He’s there when the doctor gives you a diagnosis that explains so much yet changes it all. He’s there when they move out. He’s there when they get married and start their own family. The supernatural care the Lord has for us carries us through each season, even without us asking. Rest in that truth today and let it pour over into how you care for the ones He has entrusted to you. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me with a care so deep that I cannot fully comprehend it. Help me to see Your hand at work in every season of my life, even in the wilderness moments. Teach me to rest in Your love and to extend that same patient, selfless, and protective love to those You have entrusted to me. Let my life reflect the care of a child who knows their Father is faithful. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Write down at least three ways you’ve seen God’s hand provide, protect, or lead you. Then, intentionally extend that same care to someone under your influence, your child, a friend, or someone who looks up to you, demonstrating the Father’s love in action.