To see God as a loving Father may not come easily, if you carry the scars of a neglected or abusive childhood. Perhaps you had so many unmet needs growing up: affection, security, trust, comfort, material necessities, etc., and your lack of these things makes it hard to believe God will provide for your needs now. What to do? Recognise that your ‘father-image’ is flawed and in no way resembles your heavenly Father. Even the best earthly father can’t measure up to Him. He wants you to approach Him as a caring, sensitive, generous, dependable, loving Father. That’s why Jesus taught us to call Him ‘Our Father’, not just ‘Almighty God and Lord’. Like a good father, God understands your needs and makes full provision for them (see Matthew 6:25-34). And just as a good parent recognises the unique characteristics of each of his children, He knows your distinctive personality, gifts, thoughts, and feelings. ‘As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud’ (Psalm 103:13-14 MSG). God’s care is tailor-made to your specific gifts – and weaknesses. And like a loving father, He accepts and fulfils His responsibility to provide for you. So what’s your role in the relationship? To act like the child of a trustworthy, generous, permanently-loving Father!