“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
One of the most endearing names of God is “Abba, Father.” It is a name we come to know and understand when the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. It is the name that a child affectionately uses when he says “Daddy” or “Papa.” It is a name that is unique among family members. It is a name that speaks of trust, intimacy, dependency, and identity. It is from the father/child relationship that a child receives security, courage, confidence, direction, and worth.
When I became a father, my heart entered a new world of discovery, insight, and love. I began to see things that were once hidden from my understanding.
I began to love with the heart of a father, think with the mind of a father, and feel with the emotions of a father. I began to touch the heart of God on a deeper level—feeling what He feels, seeing what He sees, and experiencing what He experiences as a Father to His children.
One of the benefits of a father/child relationship is that of inheritance. A father’s children are also his heirs. I realized that everything I have, my children can rightfully claim. This claim of inheritance is not theirs because of their personality, talents, looks, or intelligence, but because of their birthright.
In the story of the prodigal son, the father lovingly speaks these words to his eldest son, “Everything I have is yours.” What the father spoke to his eldest son, God is speaking to us. He is saying to you today, “My child, everything I have is yours. I have made you My heir and a joint-heir with My Son. Every spiritual blessing is yours. Heaven is yours, and My kingdom is yours because you are Mine!”
There are so many blessings that I have experienced in being a father. My children have brought me a thousand joys and continue to bring me great pleasure. I believe God rejoices over us, and that He delights in our love and response to Him. As His child, you have the awesome privilege of honoring Him, enjoying Him, knowing Him, loving Him, serving Him, and pleasing Him with all of your heart.
By Roy Lessin, Co-Founder DaySpring Cards.
