Of all the jobs I’ve ever had
The greatest of these was being a dad.
Just being a dad to that little tyke
Tying his shoestring or repairing his bike.
He always watched whatever I’d do
Watching carefully for something new.
It’s always good to know he’s learning
I must be careful, always discerning.
I notice him saying the things I say
For me to say the wrong thing wouldn’t pay.
He wants to grow up to be just like me
I must watch my words and actions, you see.
I take a good look at that little tyke
Hoping he’ll grow up the way I like.
He finally grew up, I like the way he did
I love him as a man, but I loved him as a kid.
If I had it to do over, I’d make a big change
All my priorities, I’d carefully rearrange.
On that little tyke, I would more time spend
And watch him grow up to be my friend.
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” (Psalm 103:13) What does the psalmist mean by “pitieth”. The word “pity” in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary is defined: “to feel pain or grief for one in distress; to have sympathy for”. To me that sounds like a loving, godly father. How does a father pity his children today?
He Pities His Children That Are Weak In Knowledge
A father that is godly will make sure he gives proper biblical knowledge to help his children grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Proverbs 1:8 says, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” Following the advice of a godly father will not lead us astray!
He Pities His Children That Are Froward
The word froward means “not willing to yield to that which is required; disobedient”. Any godly father will punish his child, pray with his child and lead him in the way of truth so that the froward child will turn back to God. It may not happen right away and the father may spend years praying and begging God for that child but still a father will bear that burden and show a godly example. James 5:16 is a wonderful promise for a godly father. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
He Pities His Children That Are Sick
I think there is nothing worse for a parent but especially a father, to see their children sick and suffering. It is so hard when we cannot do anything to “fix” the children. A godly father knows that all he can do is pray for the child and make him as comfortable as possible. Luke 18:1 says, “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
He Pities His Children Who Have Fallen
It is so hard for a father to see his child fall into sin and not be able to rescue them. A godly father will lift the child up in prayer and hurt for the child while asking God to heal, cleanse and restore the child. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 is reminding us that we need to help restore our children with godly influence.
The godly father who pities his children is not spoiling them or doing them harm but rather he is acting in a godly and biblical manner. This is, then, a promise he can claim from God that he, like the father of the prodigal son, will see his child come home and back to God. The hope that this brings should spur every father on to be as godly and biblically based as possible.
My grandfather (who wrote the poem above) was one such godly father. One of the last pictures I have of my grandfather. We visited him in his nursing home and he was wheeling himself around telling everyone that the amazing piano player was his grandson-in-law. He loved to talk to and witness to people.
