Heavenly Father, I praise You for allowing me, unlike many, to have a human father I could not only look up to but who taught me not to fear. I praise You for allowing me to grow with a father who believed fully in You. I praise You for allowing me to be a father and now a grandfather. Help me to be strong, gentle, and a man of faith as my father, grandfathers, and grandmothers were.
I claim: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Certainly, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and humiliated; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and shall not find them, even those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a thing of nonexistence. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” [Isaiah 41:10-13] I thank You for the memories of a father who I thought as a child could protect me from anything.
Now I know he can back me in prayer and give me wisdom. I have learned as a father, I can’t stop the pain and trials my children and grandchildren will face, but I can pray, I can advise, but ultimately I must leave them in Your hands and their own choices. I know the Father You are, and I put my trust in You even though I often feel helpless, worthless, and weak. I used to face bullies in my youth, but that strength and time have long left my ability and confidence. Now I must trust You to fight my battles, which in the past year I have witnessed firsthand how true the verses I just claimed come true when I put my trust in You.
I bow before You, with only my humility and weakness to show, but my faith is strong that You are a God who honors His word and cares for me. To You I leave my children, grandchildren, and myself and my wife in Your hands; my salvation comes from You. In the precious name of Jesus, my rock and redeemer, amen.