I remember little about my real father, for he died when I was so young. One thing I do remember is, on one particular morning, he held me in his arms and read me the Sunday morning comics. When we were done, I asked him to go to the backyard and push me in the swing. For some reason, my brother, Bill, ended pushing me. I remember, though, my dad leaning against a nearby fence with a smile on his face. 

At that moment, I felt like he loved me more than anything else in the world. 

Sometimes, we are so wrapped up with anxiety that we forget our Heavenly Father is nearby, watching us, smiling, proud of us. He is just close enough to reach out and grab us if something goes wrong. 

There are many pictures of God in His Word, but the one of a loving Heavenly Father is my favorite. 

In Daniel chapter 10, the prophet is visited by an angel. At its appearance, Daniel is stone-cold scared. The angel greets him by calling him “a man greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11).

The words didn’t sink in right away. Those are wonderful words. One wants to know God’s love. Daniel though, trembled with fear. 

Father, help us not to be so wrapped up in the things of this world that we cannot hear you’re words and feel your love. 

Fear Not, for you are a beloved child.