In the past few years I have been appalled at news stories of fathers treating their own children in a heartless or brutal manner. But that brings into remembrance that we can claim a Father who always treats us with love and compassion.
Psalm 103: 13 says, “Like as a father pitieth his children , so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.”
The Hebrew word translated as “pitieth” is racham which carries the meaning of - to love , to have compassion on, to show mercy to.
There is an old Swedish hymn that used to be sung , that I really miss. It is called “Children of the Heavenly Father” with words by Lina Sandell.
Children of the heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.
Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever
Unto them His grace He showeth
And their sorrows all He knoweth.
Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.