As Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Have you ever wished you had a father who loved you enough to want the best for you, including how to make a wise decision to ensure happiness in marriage? In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet has such a father.
Mr. Bennet loves and knows his daughter well. They spend time together in his study, engaged in meaningful conversation. He loves Lizzy’s character and mind and appreciates lively conversation. When faced with an uncertain future of involving five daughters and no male heir to pass along the family fortune, Mr. Bennet thinks only of Lizzy’s happiness:
“Come here, child,” cried her father as she appeared. “I have sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?”
Elizabeth replied that it was.
“Very well—and this offer of marriage you have refused?”
“I have, sir.”
“Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?”
“Yes, or I will never see her again.”
“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”
The image of Elizabeth’s father stepping into the situation and taking care of his daughter’s happiness and welfare has much to teach us about how our Good Father lovingly guides us toward a good decision. Unlike Mr. Collins, who only thinks of his own welfare, Elizabeth’s father knows that his daughter possesses a sensible mind and doesn’t like, much less love, Mr. Collins. Even though the family certainly needs the money and stability of keeping the family home intact, Elizabeth’s father loves her enough to do what is best for her, regardless of the consequences.
While family and friends can often persuade us to do something that goes against our nature and sensibility, God is the one we can turn to when we need an advocate. He listens and understands us better than we know ourselves. He loves us and wants us to be content. Because He is the protector of our souls, we can count on our Good Father to help us make good decisions. “Come here, child.”
