Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. On this occasion, I think it is highly appropriate to associate the Christian worship song Good Good Father on a day like this – He is the ultimately Good Father.

Lyrics

Verse 1
I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
You tell me that you’re pleased and that I’m never alone

Chorus
You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

Verse 2
I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide
Because You know just what we need before we say a word

Bridge
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Verse 3
Love so undeniable I can hardly speak
Peace so un-explainable I can hardly think
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
Into love, love, love.

Background

The lyrics of this song are so powerful and moving to millions of people. The restorative power of God working through this song in impacting families and helping the healing process is truly a God-based thing.

Funnily enough, when we think of the song we immediately think it is a Chris Tomlin song, but the truth is that it actually was written by Pat Barrett and Anthony Brown. Chris Tomlin’s performance and incorporation of it into his albums has truly amplified the reach and impact of the song, but all credit goes to Pat and Anthony – two incredibly gifted singer/song-writers who are both in their own right, fathers.

That Pat shares in the background to the song on WorshipTogether that every night (at least back when the song was first written) his daughter asks that the two of them sing it together really touches my heart. Other significant take-outs from watching the background video is that the bridge “You are perfect in all of Your ways” is not just a simple truth, but it is a truth worth declaring over and over again simply because. Also, the last line of the bridge is not a simple repetition, but it really drives the point home – “You are perfect in all of Yours way to us“. God is a good perfect Father for us.

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

If there were any lyrics that I could ever identify that proclaimed the essence of worship these would it. Pat also shares that he literally has heard since the release and publicity of the song, though himself and Chris Tomlin, that he has heard thousands stories of what God is like and the impact of Good Good Father in the relationships people have with family, fathers and most importantly God.

Fathers & Dads

I was reading this interesting article on the topic: the difference between Dad and Father. In agreeing with the differences I want to summarise it with my own adaptation:

• Father
  • formal and respectful
  • focus is on the father individual
  • term of reference, indirect: typically used “your/my father”
  • more title-based/titular
• Dad
  • casual
  • focus is on the relationship
  • term of endearment, direct: “dad”
  • more role-based/as a name

I think of it like this – when I am talking about him, I would say “my father”, particularly if I am being more formal and courteous. When I am in his presence or talking directly to him, I would say “Hi Dad”. To say “Hello Father” sounds really formal to me. Use of “Dad” suggest a closeness in relationship that “Father” does not convey as well. I should also point out that there are probably people out there who would disagree and say addressing their parent as “Father” can be endearing and just as relationally close, and that arguably it is the tone and manner in which the word is said which conveys that sentiment of respect (or lack of).

The final thought is on how we apply these concepts to addressing or referring to God. By far, the majority of people will naturally think of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Adding “Dad” into this mix clearly gives a different connotation. How many of us can say “Daddy God”? I know some friends do, and this is consistent with the whole notation that “Dad” is more endearing and relational…