Can We Talk?

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

As parents we want what is best for our children. We desire to protect, to guide and to continually keep their best interest at heart. There is a deep delight that we experience when we see our children smile, laugh, get excited about life and exude a sense of security and joy. Their belly laugh can set us off into a laugh attack right alongside them. Sometimes we laugh so hard that our side hurts; in a good way. Oh how we delight in our children. Who of us has not felt the warm acceptance that comes when our children seek our input, advice, or desire to glean wisdom from our years of experience? Whether a parent, grandparent, caregiver or friend, being in a position to mentor a child warms our heart. When I receive a call from one of my adult children saying, “Hi Mommy….” I have learned that “Mommy” is code word for “I need to talk.” On a good day I am simply “Mom” but in those turbulent and disappointing times in life my child simply needs “Mommy.”

Did you know that no matter where you are in life or what you may be facing, you have a Father in heaven who wants to talk with you? He loves to hear you, He listens for your voice and He delights in you. (Luke 12:32). He invites you to come. Come when you are weary, troubled, hungry and thirsty, or desiring wisdom. But also come to simply chat with your Father and sit in His presence. (Matthew 11:28, Revelation 22:17, Isaiah 55:1). Herein lies a magnificent mystery. The Creator of all things, both seen and unseen, invites you to personally come and call Him “Daddy.” There are many different names used to describe God in scripture. All of His Names being significant, speaking to the character of God. “Abba Father” is significant because it helps us understand how God relates to His people. It is an Aramaic word that would most closely be translated as “Daddy.” It was used by Jesus and Paul to address God regarding the personal intimacy and close relationship of a father to his child. In Galatians 4:6-7 we see this principal of familiarity in action, “God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” You and I have been given this close relationship with the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. Abba Father finds delight when we call upon Him with childlike trust. How can you have this intimate relationship with the Father? “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”(Acts 2:38-39). If you do not know Jesus Christ, hear His voice today as He calls you to “Come.” If you do know Jesus but your life has become so busy that you have forgotten to simply sit at His feet and rest, He calls you to “Come.” You have a loving Father who sees you, seeks you and longs to hear your voice as you cry out “Daddy.”

Prayer
Abba Father, we are amazed that You would encourage us to call you “Daddy.” You are a Holy and Righteous God, all-powerful, all-knowing and ever-present. That You would allow us, sinful humans, to have a personal and intimate relationship with You truly is amazing grace. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ, in whose mighty Name we can be saved, to the glory of God, Amen.