Devotion: Fearless Fathers

Please review the scripture from this weekend: Proverbs 3:1-12

This past weekend we celebrated Father’s Day, and the sermon passage from Proverbs provided an effective base for Pastor Greg’s message as he preached about the significance of a father’s role. Verse 12 elegantly summarizes the first eleven verses:


“For whom the LORD loves He disciplines, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:12)

I found Pastor Greg’s sermon especially refreshing because the worldly culture we find ourselves in today often portrays fathers in a negative light. I didn’t think much about this until I became a dad myself. Over the years, I’ve noticed that Hollywood frequently depicts fathers as irresponsible (one example is to think of Robin Williams’ character in Mrs. Doubtfire), absent, or simply uninformed when it comes to loving and caring for their families. And, while there is some truth to these characteristics of dads, our worldly culture seems to diminish the unique and God-given role the father has in nurturing and raising children, especially in America. But the attribute of fatherhood is certainly more than simply existing as a father. That’s not how God intended fatherhood to be, especially for His followers.

Growing up, I was incredibly blessed to have a dad and mom both who love Jesus. Thinking about my dad’s role when I was growing up, he has always modeled responsibility, has had an impeccable work ethic, is successful in his career, and a mentor to many. So much of his parenting in partnership with my mom have both taught and shaped the person, husband, and father I am today, and I continue to learn from them. (If you happen to see Bob Clay in the Great Hall, be sure to give him an extra pat on the back—I might be responsible for a few of his gray hairs!) 

I know too many friends, acquaintances, etc. who haven’t had the experience of the presence of a dad in the home and that is very hard. I hold these situations in prayer and hope that we find true comfort in the loving presence of our heavenly Father.

Reflecting on the verses found in Proverbs 3 speaks as powerfully today as it did nearly 3,000 years ago. One of the central messages of this passage is that true wisdom is not simply the accumulation of knowledge but living in trusting dependence on God. While this passage has much to say about fathers, its message extends to all of us in a very practical way about how we interact with our heavenly Father. The responsibility falls on every disciple of Jesus to pursue God’s wisdom which is found as we trust Him wholeheartedly and lean into His guidance each and every day… and that is easier said than done. It’s a lifelong pursuit.

Speaking from my own experience as a dad, no earthly father is perfect. But our heavenly Father is the author and giver of perfect love! As we go throughout the coming days and weeks, may we consider where God may be inviting us to trust Him as our heavenly Father. Whether you are a father, a mother, a grandparent, a child, these words remind us all that God’s loving guidance is always available to us. May we all be students of Jesus who not only seek wisdom but also walk in it, trusting in the Lord with all our hearts and discovering the peace that comes from following His ways.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your written and spoken Word. Thank You for being the author of perfect love as well as our Abba (Daddy) who is closer than the air we breathe. Help us to continue trusting You for Your wisdom and guidance in our lives. May we look to You as the One who goes with us in the good times and corrects our way during the storms of life.
In Your Precious Name, Amen.

Written by Matt Clay

Matt and his wife Joanna have two daughters, Emery and Madisen. The Clay’s have been members of the Sheridan community since 2014.

Matt’s spiritual growth has been influenced by the teaching of the late Dallas Willard, which led Matt to pursue an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Spring Arbor University.

Matt works full-time in the financial industry and believes that God has called him to be a steward of His grace and presence in the marketplace.