Each week in my Dad's of Destiny class, we study different what make a good, Christian father. This week we are learning about being consistent. Our main scripture study is Psalm 103:8-10...

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. (NIV)

We can always can count on the Lord being consistent in His dealings with us. He is extremely slow to anger. Reading David's story of his relationship with Bathsheba, and the aftermath, shows how upset God was. God still considered David His anointed one. Why, because, even with David's faults, he still loved the Lord with all his heart, all his soul, all his strength, and all his mind. He trusted the Lord, and even though he made some extremely bad choices, he always strove to please God. God could have easily smited David, but through David's sincere repentance (Psalm 51), he was able to get back into the good graces of our Heavenly Father, not by works, but through his repentance. He was able to ask forgiveness and continue toward the greatness for which he was called because he knew that the Lord loved him, despite his sin. The Lord was "slow to anger and rich in kindness." Because the Lord knew that David had greatness within him, he gave David the opportunity to repent instead of destroying David and all that he had. David regained his favor with the Lord because God was consistent in dealing with David. He dealt with David as He has dealt with each of His children throughout eternity.

Ask yourself: Are you consistent in our relationships? Can your family and friends count on you to be there? Do they know how you will react to situations, or are you inconsistent and unpredictable? Practice consistency in every relationship that you have: family, friends, parents, neighbors, co-workers. When you fall, and we all do, meditate on Psalm 51 and consider what would have happened in David's life if God wasn't consistent. What great things can happen in your life if you are!

Prayer

Father God, grant me the character, behavior, the desire to be consistent in my life. Help me to be especially consistent in my relationship with my daughter and wife. Let them know that I will be there for them. That I will love them. That they can count on me. I ask this in your holy and power name. Amen.