MAY 28, Psalm 10:14

Joshua slowly pulled on his socks. “I hate school,” he thought. “I wish I didn’t have to go. The guys will all talk about what they did with their fathers over the weekend, and I’ll be left out again.”

Joshua used to talk about the things he and his dad did together, but now Dad was gone. Without warning, Dad had left home and moved away – his parents had divorced. Joshua hardly ever saw him anymore. Just as Joshua expected, many of the boys at school talked about their weekend activities with their fathers. Joshua felt left out.

As Joshua got ready for bed that night, his heart was heavy. “All my life I’ve been taught that prayer can change things. Well, I prayed lots and lots, but nothing changed. Dad’s still gone. What’s wrong, I wonder? I know I’m a Christian, but maybe I’m praying the wrong way.”

Kneeling beside his bed, Joshua began to pray again—shyly at first, and then with more confidence. He prayed for his father and mother and for his whole family. Then he prayed for himself, telling God all about how he felt. For the first time, he didn’t ask God to change only the circumstances. He also asked for help to accept not having Dad home.

As Joshua climbed into bed, he actually felt much calmer and more peaceful than he had for a long time. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” he thought. “After all, God is my heavenly Father. Mom read some Bible verses that said He’d be a father to the fatherless. It’s not like He’s going to play baseball with me, but He does take care of me—and I can talk to Him whenever I want.”

The next time Joshua heard boys talking about their dads, he reminded himself that he had a Father, too—God—and he was able to laugh at a joke one of the boys had played on his dad. Joshua still felt a little out of place, but he had something new—a peace in his heart as he realized that his heavenly Father was with him.

Thought: Are you a member of a one-parent family? Do you feel emptiness inside your heart? If you’re a Christian, tell God exactly how you feel for He wants to hear you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am thankful that you are a father to the fatherless. I know You care and You want to give me peace. May I give to You my fears and troubles for You are able and willing to meet each need, for it is in Jesus’ name that I pray, amen.