Read:
Romans 8:15-16 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Think:
“Abba” is a term of endearment in Aramaic that signifies a close and intimate relationship between a father and child. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus used this term to address God, demonstrating his complete trust and dependence on his heavenly Father. As Christians, we have been adopted into God's family, and we can approach him as our loving Father, calling him "Abba" in childlike faith and intimacy. This is made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins and removed the barrier that once separated us from God.
In calling God "Abba," we acknowledge our dependence on him and express our love and gratitude for the relationship we have with him. The image of a child in their father's loving embrace is a beautiful picture of the intimacy and security we can experience as we trust in and depend on our heavenly Father.
Jesus taught us to refer to God as "Abba" or "Daddy." He recognized that it can be difficult for some of us to approach God as our Father, but he offers us a living water and love that can fill the emptiness in our hearts. We need only admit our need for our heavenly Father, andhHe will be there to provide the love and security we crave.
Apply:
Allow God to fill the empty places in your soul. Ask him to dwell inside, to become your “daddy.” Admit your need of him today.
Pray:
God, my Abba, what an extraordinary privilege it is to call you Father. Help me, Lord, to grow in this relationship. May I run to you as a young child to his daddy, enjoying your security and embrace. In Jesus' name, Amen.