Doting Father – 397

Today’s word is “doting.” Written out it looks like dot-ing, as in dot the i’s and cross those t’s. But when pronounced ‘doting’ it means ‘excessively fond,’ ‘adoring,’ affectionate,’ ‘showing that you love someone very much.’ One web source asked the question, “How do you know if someone is doting on you?” And answered, “If someone you know adores you beyond all reason, only seeing your good points and completely disregarding your faults, they’re doting. Your doting uncle might offer to fly you to Disney World for spring break, and your doting older sister might wake up early to make your favorite breakfast when you visit her.”

My granddaughter Violet is doted upon by her parents. And you know what? She just receives all that love and attention, care and affection, they give her. She is quite young, and has no trouble receiving. She just — receives. And blooms with life!

Is God a doting Father? Do you think He adores you beyond all reason, only seeing your good points and completely disregarding your faults? Or does He wear a frown when looking at you?

I’ll let you draw your own conclusion, but consider, if you are a Christian, the blood of Jesus of cleansed us from all unrighteousness, has washed us whiter than snow from our sins, has removed all condemnation (it fell upon Jesus, remember?), and prepared us perfectly as a new creation, a son or daughter of the Living God, fully accepted in the Beloved — fellow heirs in the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Zephaniah 3:17 KJV says, “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.” Sure sounds like someone is doting over us, dear friend! The word picture here is full of emotion. God the Father is the One who holds His daughter Jerusalem and sings joyfully in her presence. Just as a loving parent cradles a child and sings out of love, so God’s song over His people is born of His great love — and this was written at a time when Israel of old was very rebellious and unbelieving. And of course the result was their not receiving, either.

But a time was coming when it would all change for them. My friend, that time has come — Jesus has made the difference. Stop trying to prove your worth before God. It’s not our performance; you and I have already been accepted in the Beloved — thanks to Jesus’ blood.

So like my granddaughter, why not open up and freely receive ALL that your Heavenly Father has for you? It is beyond what we could ask or think. Beyond what our ears have heard or eyes have seen. All that He has prepared for us who love Him. 

Don’t wait till you get to heaven my friend. Don’t resist your Heavenly Father’s doting. Open up — you’ll COME ALIVE!