Rejoicing in Your Father

Many people see God through many different lenses. They see Him as Creator or the Rule Giver. Unfortunately, some see Him as this master puppeteer controlling every movement of the world. Some people don’t see Him at all.

I believe one of the most important lenses through which we can see and have intimacy with God is seeing Him as Father. When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, He didn’t reach in prayer out to the Creator or the Rule-giver. He reached out to His Abba, His Father. He needed to feel the tender touch of His Father. At that moment He needed His Father to guide and direct Him.

The word Abba is an Aramaic (one of the popular languages spoken in the 1st century in the Middle East) and means “father.” It is a unique term of endearment within the family circle, much like our English word “dad,” or “daddy.” Some biblical scholars believe the term came from an infant’s first words when seeing their father. The term conveys a deep and unique intimacy and connection. Jesus knew His Father intimately, and so can we.

The apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians, ’ And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ Says the Lord Almighty.” Jesus’ disciple John wrote, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Isn’t that exciting to read? You and I will experience the joys and delights of being sons and daughters of God the Father! And, He wants it that way because “He longs to receive us in love and treat us as His precious sons and daughters.” Wow!

From my experience working with many people, I know your question—you have trouble seeing God as a loving Father because you didn’t have such a good relationship with your earthly father. Maybe you couldn’t talk to your earthly father, or he wasn’t there for you emotionally. Perhaps your father abandoned you or had such high expectations of you, you always felt defeated and not measuring up to his standards. I understand.

But, God sent His son Jesus to bring new life. He loved you so much, He willingly sent His only son, with whom He had a perfect relationship, to save you and transform you. He came to bring you into the family, His family with His Father.

You’re adopted and here is what you have in your new family:

He wants to be with you.
He wants to take you places you’ve never seen
He wants the best for you
He will never leave you or forsake you
He always listens
He loves you for who you are, wounds and all

Friends, it’s time to see God as your Heavenly Father. He’s waiting for you with open arms to have a deep intimate relationship with Him.