What does it mean that God is father to the fatherless?

Answer

Psalm 68:5 states, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Out of all the ways the Lord God Almighty could have chosen to relate to humanity, He selected the language of family. He could have portrayed Himself as a benevolent dictator, kind boss, or patient landlord. However, He opted for the term father.

He reveals Himself as a Father because we all comprehend what a father is and does. Even if we lacked earthly fathers who treated us well, we possess an innate understanding of the qualities a good father should possess. God instilled that understanding in our hearts. We all yearn to be loved, cherished, protected, and valued. Ideally, an earthly father will fulfill those needs. Nevertheless, even if he fails to do so, God will. Jesus instructed His disciples to address God as Father «And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. », (Luke 11:2). Throughout the Scriptures, God portrays His love for us as that of a nurturing parent (Isaiah 49:15;John 16:26-27;2 Corinthians 6:18). Even though He embodies traits of both father and mother «As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. », (Isaiah 66:13), He selects the masculine term because it also signifies strength, protection, and provision «Behold, God is mine helper: The Lord is with them that uphold my soul. », (Psalm 54:4).

God holds a special place in His heart for the orphans and fatherless (Deuteronomy 24:20; Jeremiah 49:11; James 1:27). Psalm 27:10 states, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” God acknowledges that many times earthly fathers have been absent or have not fulfilled their responsibilities «And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. », (Ephesians 6:4). He offers to take on the role of a Father (John 6:37; Deuteronomy 1:31). He encourages us to cry out to Him when we are in trouble «And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. », (Psalm 50:15), to cast all our worries on Him «casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. », (1 Peter 5:7), and to enjoy His company (1 Corinthians 1:9: Psalm 116:1; 1 John 5:14). He exemplifies for us the qualities He had in mind when He established fatherhood. Even though earthly fathers often fall short of the ideal, God assures that, in Him, no one needs to be without a perfect Father.