And because you Are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6 NKJV
It is difficult to recognize God as Father when your knowledge of a father figure has been shattered. Many people, especially women, struggle with this issue. At some point, their earthly fathers deserted them. Many experienced physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their fathers. That might be you.
Earthly fathers fail. They are human. They don’t possess the ability to be perfect or holy, but God is holy, holy, holy.
I was blessed to have a good earthly dad. I don’t recall my dad giving hugs. That just wasn’t his style, but he was good. I don’t know the pain some of you have endured, but I have compassion for you.
Abba, God our Father, shares abundantly His love and kindness. When I pray and pour out my heart to Him, I feel His arms surround me. I receive heavenly hugs from Abba. He gives me what I never received from the man I called Daddy. Sweet friend, Abba will do that for you too.
The enemy plays on past hurts and haunting memories. He uses them to keep us at arm’s length from our Father God. Satan knows the incredible healing and mighty power that will accompany a deep relationship with God.
The Psalmist refers to God as “a father to the fatherless,” (Ps. 68:5 NKJV). He isn’t an extension of an earthly father. He is not the new and improved version of your father. He is the ultimate Father; unlike any father we have ever known.
God knew men would fall short as fathers. He knew men would turn their backs on their children. He knew some men would destroy their little girls, leaving them broken for many years. God knew He would be Abba to many children. Children from broken homes with broken hearts.
the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
… To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
… And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
They shall raise up the former desolations,
And they shall repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations. (Is. 61:1-4 NKJV)
Friend, that is exactly what the Lord will do in your life, with your ruins. Abba loves you, and He wants to take care of you, showering you with His unique love. A love no man can possess. Turn to Abba right now and begin building the only relationship which will never disappoint. He will give you beauty for ashes and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
Abba, you are my heavenly Daddy. At times, I struggle with that. Help me overcome the memories and emotions which hold me back from You. Amen.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Do a word search on a web site such as Bible Gateway on “orphans”. According to these verses, how does God feel about the fatherless? No matter what kind of relationship you have with your earthly father, there is always a special relationship with Abba.
DIG DEEPER
Read Isaiah 61:1-4.
Copyright 2019 Carolyn Dale Newell.
Originally posted on August 24, 2020 @ 3:17 am