"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."  Romans 8:15,16

 This is a passage that has often brought me great peace and joy.  The Creator of the Universe, the Great I AM, the Eternal God – has instructed His people to call Him, “Abba”.  For me, the translation of “Abba” as “Father” does not truly capture the meaning of the word.  A better translation would be “Daddy”.  The One that holds the orbits of planets in His hands, is the same One who wipes away our tears.  The same God, who’s powerful Word brought all of creation into existence out of nothing, also tells us “Do not be afraid”.

 The word “Daddy” conjures up images of warmth and protection.  A Daddy is the one a child will turn to when afraid, confident that there is nothing that Daddy fears.  He is someone who takes care of his children, provides for them, and lavishes his love upon them.  A Daddy is a problem solver and fixer of broken toys.  In a child’s eyes there is no place higher than Daddy’s shoulders, and when jumping off the step, Daddy will always be there to catch us.

While an earthly Daddy tries to live up to these expectations, they are not always successful.  This is not the case with out Heavenly Daddy.  He is the great provider and gives us our daily needs.  He is the great comforter and chases away all our fears.  Nothing happens to us that is not within His complete control and He has assured us that: 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28 

But Paul, the author of Romans, goes further to say: 

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”  Romans 8:32,33

Let us therefore, trust that our perfect Heavenly Daddy knows what is best for us and will always be there with us and that whatever trials we face, He will get us through them until at last we rest for eternity in His love.