I have learned a lot from being a father.

Here’s a lesson I learned from my oldest son when he was 3 years old. To give some context, my wife had spent the weekend away, so my son and I got to have a few days of quality time together. God used him to teach me how obedience and dependency on Him are connected.

July 18th, 2011

My oldest son has been teaching me a lot lately. He has assisted in bringing to light numerous lessons concerning my relationship with our Heavenly Father. This weekend, God used him yet again. His actions this weekend, have given an instructional example concerning obedience and our dependency on the Father.

Nicole was away for the weekend. I had Jude all to myself! Although Nicole might hate hearing this, he was extremely well-behaved and obedient the whole time she was gone. Granted, I’m generally the stronger hand when it comes to discipline, but I don’t think that was it.

It was like he subconsciously knew that because his mom and his little brother were gone, he only had one person left to hold on to. Almost like he automatically didn’t want to do anything to disturb that relationship. Some may say this event was a fluke and that it means nothing at all. Perhaps, but it got me thinking.

What can I glean from this experience?

I’m left asking myself, “What truth about my relationship with God (my Heavenly Father) can be witnessed in my son’s obedience?” That question brought me to the Psalms.

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” (Ps. 119:1-8)

This Psalm begins with a deep conversation on the decrees and laws of the Lord, and obedience to them. However, in the last verses of the Psalm, the author, David, lays out a cry to the Lord.

“May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek your servant, or I have not forgotten your commands.” (Ps. 119:169-176)

These final verses give us a few more clues into David’s heart, and his desire to please God. We see his desire to be obedient. He petitions for understanding, deliverance, wisdom and salvation. David understands that only the Lord can get him through this world of adversity. There is a very apparent dependency that is outlined in this Psalm. Obedience is significant in obtaining the approval of the Father.

Is this the key?

When I think back to how well my son obeyed this weekend, maybe it was out of a feeling that I was all he had. At some level, he had grasped the realization that I am his protector and provider, which is obviously important. But more significant, I think there was a connection with his mom being gone, missing her comfort and nurturing.

Sole-dependency was on me this weekend. He needed my care, affirmation and favour. Perhaps his temptations to rebel were diminished? Perhaps it gave him a propensity not to do anything to come between us. His dependency on me brought out a spirit of complete obedience.

Are we obeying our Heavenly Father?

I’m convinced that our relationship with God is no different. When all other sources of comfort are gone, we cling to our Heavenly Father. This dependency is usually followed by a significant time of obedience. Our prayer life is richer, our time in the Word is more substantial, and our relationships with others have a greater purpose.

This is the kind of dependency that Psalm 119 is connecting with. This is the kind of dependency that causes steadfast obedience, like that which was displayed by my son this weekend.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• When was the last time you had to heavily rely on God?
• How did your dependency on the Father result in obedience?