Names of God Series: Cared for by the Eternal Father

 By: Rebekah Hargraves

Photo Courtesy of: Mohamed Awwam

"For a child will be born for us,

a son will be given to us,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

He will be named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

~Isaiah 9:6

In our names of God series, we come now to the name "Eternal Father", also translated "Everlasting Father". This name means that God is our Father for eternity, that His love, care, provision, and protection of us will never come to an end.

This truth is an especially beautiful and comforting one for those who didn't grow up with an earthly father or for those whose earthly father left a lot to be desired. For people in those situations it can be hard to relate to God as a Father in a positive light, for that experience is so foreign to them. But it is passages such as this one that can help make God as Father a beautiful and comforting doctrine. 

While your earthly father may not have been reliable, God is.

While your earthly father may not have loved you unconditionally, God does.

While your earthly father may have turned his back on you, God won't.

While your earthly father may have refused to meet your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual needs, God doesn't. 

Rest assured, dear sister, that God is your eternal, everlasting Father, Who has voluntarily tasked Himself with faithfully meeting your every need for all time. He loves you that much!

Reflection Questions:

1) What comes to mind when you think of God as Father?

2) How can this become a comforting doctrine for you?

3) How can you encourage someone else with this truth today?