“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:24–26

Every man longs to hear the words: “I’m proud of you. I love you. You have what it takes.” They are the blessing of a father. And for many of us, those words never came. Instead, we received silence. Or criticism. Or absence.

The ache of an unblessed son is real. It leaves men striving endlessly, trying to prove themselves. It drives us to success that never satisfies, or to anger we can’t explain. Without a father’s blessing, many men live their whole lives wondering if they are enough.

But here’s the good news: your Heavenly Father has spoken the blessing you’ve been waiting for. At Jesus’ baptism, the skies opened and the Father declared: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) Jesus hadn’t yet performed miracles or preached sermons. The blessing wasn’t earned — it was given.

That same blessing is spoken over you. In Christ, you are not fatherless. You are beloved. You are chosen. You are enough.

Think of Jacob, who deceived his way into a blessing from Isaac. He spent much of his life striving for what God had already promised him. Many of us are the same. We chase affirmation from bosses, from women, from accomplishments, when the Father’s voice has already declared: “You are mine.”

Brother, lift your head. Stop living as if you are unloved. The Father’s face shines on you. His hand is on you. His peace covers you. You don’t have to strive for the blessing anymore — you already have it.