Embracing Presence: The True Nature of Love

Today is a day to celebrate fathers and father figures, but even more, to celebrate our perfect Father in heaven. Whether our earthly fathers have been present and loving or absent and flawed, God stands as the ultimate example of what it means to be a good Father—one who knows us, loves us, and desires our good. Many of us, especially dads, have a natural urge to fix things—whether it’s a broken toy, a leaky tap, or a problem in someone’s life. This desire to fix is often rooted in love, but it can also come from a need to be seen as capable, needed, or heroic. Yet, sometimes, the best way to love someone isn’t to fix their problems, but simply to be present with them in their pain and uncertainty.

Love, as God defines it, is not about always jumping in to solve every issue. It’s about being present and committed to the good of the other, even when that means holding back from fixing. There are moments when our attempts to fix can actually hinder growth, healing, or the deeper work God wants to do in someone’s life. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to stand with someone in their struggle, acknowledging the mystery and pain, and offering our presence rather than our solutions.

God, our Father, is the ultimate fixer. He has already fixed the greatest problem—sin—through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. He is continually at work in our lives, healing and restoring us through the Holy Spirit. And one day, He will bring about the ultimate restoration, uniting heaven and earth in perfect love and community. Yet, God also knows when to step in and when to wait. Sometimes He answers our prayers for help immediately; other times, He asks us to wait, or even says no, because He sees a bigger picture and knows what is truly for our good.

In the waiting, God invites us to fix our thoughts on Him. The promise is that as we trust Him and keep our minds set on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace. Whether we are called to be present for others, to bring our own brokenness to God, or to wait patiently for His intervention, we can rest in the assurance that our Father is with us, loving us, and working for our ultimate good.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The urge to fix things for others often comes from a place of love, but it can also be driven by our own need for validation or control. True love sometimes requires us to resist the impulse to fix and instead offer our presence, humility, and understanding. This challenges us to examine our motives and to love others in the way they truly need, not just in the way that makes us feel useful. [37:25]
• 2. God’s love is demonstrated not just in His power to fix, but in His willingness to be present with us in our pain. There are times when the most Christlike response is to stand with someone in their suffering, without offering solutions or explanations, simply sharing the burden and the mystery of their experience. This kind of presence can be more healing than any quick fix. [38:15]
• 3. Our Father in heaven is the ultimate fixer, having already dealt with the deepest problem of sin through Jesus. He continues to work in our lives, restoring and healing us, and promises a future where all things will be made new. Trusting in God’s timing and methods, even when they differ from our own, is an act of faith and surrender. [46:20]
• 4. Sometimes God answers our prayers for help immediately, but other times He asks us to wait or even says no. This is not a sign of His absence or lack of love, but rather of His perfect wisdom and commitment to our ultimate good. In these moments, we are invited to trust His heart, even when we do not understand His ways. [49:46]
• 5. While we wait for God’s intervention, we are called to fix our thoughts on Him. The promise of Isaiah is that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfastly set on Him. In seasons of uncertainty, pain, or waiting, this peace becomes our anchor, reminding us that God’s presence is our greatest comfort and hope. [52:06]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:23] - Father’s Day and the Fixer Instinct
• [12:46] - Stories of Handyman Dads
• [17:30] - The Desire to Fix: Blessing and Challenge
• [22:15] - When Fixing Isn’t the Answer
• [27:40] - What Love Really Means
• [37:25] - The Motives Behind Fixing
• [38:58] - Being Present in Pain
• [45:14] - God as the Ultimate Father
• [46:20] - God’s Fourfold Fixing
• [48:37] - When God Steps In
• [49:46] - Trusting God’s Timing
• [51:20] - The Deeper Meaning of “Fix”
• [52:06] - Perfect Peace in Waiting
• [53:11] - Responding to God’s Invitation
• [54:49] - Turning Our Eyes Upon Jesus

Bible Reading

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) — > "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Galatians 3:26 (ESV) — > "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith."

Matthew 6:8 (ESV) — > "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

Observation Questions

1. According to Isaiah 26:3, what is the promise given to those whose minds are fixed on God?
2. In Galatians 3:26, what does Paul say is the basis for being called children of God?
3. The sermon described God as the “ultimate fixer.” What are the four ways God “fixes” things, as mentioned in the message? [46:20]
4. The pastor mentioned that sometimes God answers our prayers immediately, and other times He asks us to wait or says no. What reasons were given for this? [49:46]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might God choose to be present with us in our pain rather than immediately fixing our problems? How does this reflect His love? [38:15]
2. The urge to fix things for others can come from love, but also from a desire to be needed or seen as capable. How can someone discern their true motives when they want to help? [37:25]
3. What does it mean for our thoughts to be “fixed” on God, especially during times of waiting or uncertainty? [52:06]
4. How does understanding God as the perfect Father change the way we approach our own roles as parents, friends, or helpers? [45:14]

Application Questions

1. Think of a recent situation where you wanted to “fix” something for someone else. Looking back, was your desire to help more about their good, or about your own need to feel useful or in control? How can you check your motives next time? [37:25]
2. Is there someone in your life right now who needs your presence more than your solutions? What would it look like to simply “stand with them” in their pain this week? [38:15]
3. When have you experienced God’s presence in a season where your prayers weren’t answered the way you hoped? How did that affect your trust in Him? [49:46]
4. The sermon said God has already “fixed” our biggest problem—sin—through Jesus. How does this truth give you confidence or peace in facing other problems that feel “unfixable”? [46:20]
5. Are you currently waiting for God to “fix” something in your life? What would it look like for you to “fix your thoughts” on Him and receive His peace, even while you wait? [52:06]
6. The message challenged us to love others in the way they truly need, not just in the way that makes us feel helpful. Can you think of a relationship where you need to change your approach from fixing to being present? What’s one step you can take this week? [38:15]
7. How can you remind yourself daily that God is the perfect Father who knows what you need before you ask? Is there a verse, prayer, or practice you can use to help you trust Him more fully? [45:14]