Children of the Heavenly Father

“If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11 NLT

Carolina “Lina” Sandell Berg was close to her father, a Lutheran pastor in Sweden. Born on this day in 1832, she spent as much time with him as possible. When she was twenty-six, she and her father took a boat trip. Tragically, he fell overboard and drowned before her eyes.

While devastated, Lina did not allow this tragedy to control her life. Instead of giving in to anger or bitterness, she frequently turned toward the Lord, giving expression to her faith through more than 600 hymns.

One day, she sat on the branch of a large tree, listening to the sounds of nature and watching the stars. In this serene setting, she thought about God. She might have lost her earthly father, but realized that God was her Father in Heaven. How wonderful and secure this made her feel! She responded by writing the words that became the hymn, “Children of the Heavenly Father.”

She described how God’s children felt safe, for He gives a refuge unlike that given to any “nestling bird” or “star in heaven.” They may go through difficulties but “in His mighty arms He bears them.” He knows every sorrow, and shows His grace to all. Nothing can separate us from His love for us.

She saw how God brought them through challenges not to punish them but “to preserve them pure and holy.” He is our “Protector” and “Defender,” and He “never slumbers.”

In your life, realize that God is your Heavenly Father. You can rest in Him, and talk to Him as you would an earthly father. Tell Him of your fears and doubts, worries and anxieties. Let Him reassure you and give you His peace.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You love me and that I am Your child. I trust in You to meet my needs. Take away my fears and worries, and give me Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.