Craig Clouston

My Dad’s Taller Than You!

This day the Lord will hand you over to me.
1 Samuel 17:46

David was a spirited six-year-old. One day, a friend of his dad’s came by for a visit. The moment David saw him, he climbed out of the pool and walked right up to the man and defiantly proclaimed, “My dad is taller than you!”
Initially taken aback, the man smiled and quickly formulated a response. Not wanting to belittle the boy’s spirit, yet wanting to have some fun, he replied, “Maybe if I’m lying down.” Looking over David’s head at his at dad, the friend went on to say, “But you know something, David, that’s a good attitude to have. You should have confidence in your dad. He’s the one who watches over you and takes care of you. We need to know our dad has the ability to handle every problem we experience.”
Kneeling, he added, “But would you mind if I gave you a piece of advice? You’d be more convincing if you took off the swim mask and snorkel!” He rubbed David’s head and winked at his friend.

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David’s attitude may have been a bit aggressive for a six-year-old, but his paternal perspective is a lesson we could learn from. We get our first picture of our heavenly Father through the actions of our earthly fathers. David’s father must have made quite an impression on him in the first six years of his life.
We need more fathers who instill David’s passion and allegiance, fathers whose children know, without having to ask, that they will always be there in times of trouble. We need the model that says, “I’ll handle every problem you have. Just bring it to me.” David’s initial assessment of his dad’s friend was one of a warrior. He wanted the enemy to know he wasn’t afraid; his dad could, and would, handle him if he had come for trouble. We need to see our heavenly Father through David’s eyes. And on that subject, let me ask: Who was taller, David or Goliath?
It depends on when you measured: before David’s Dad had His say or after!

Prayer

“Father God, I thank You that You are taller than any problem I will ever face. Amen!”