We have been adopted, and given all the legal rights and personal delights of beloved children of Abba, Father.
“You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NLT)
Abba, Father… how I love to call you by that name. When you drew me to Jesus, you forgave all my sins, declared me to be righteous in Christ, and adopted me as your very own and beloved child. Amazing, astonishing, awesome … I still have a hard time taking in all this goodness, Father. That’s why you have given us your Holy Spirit. He’s the only one who can powerfully combat the spirit of fear that is ever lurking—so wanting to lure me back into the dungeon of guilt and shame. But it’s true, it’s true, it’s really true… I’m no longer a slave or spiritual orphan. Jesus is my righteousness, the Spirit is my guarantee, and you are my Father. You cannot love me more, and you’ll never love me less. Thank you, and Hallelujah!
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. Rom. 8:28 NIV
And what a Father you are … you’ve numbered our hairs and days. You appoint our joys and our pain. You give and you take away—both of which are wonderful, because the main thing you’ve given me is Jesus, and the main thing you’ve taken away is my sin. Your sovereignty is my sanity and your reign is my joy. You have not promised to make all things easy for me in life, but you have promised to be working in all things for my good. Though I can cringe, doubt, and struggle with your sense of timing, Abba, because of the Gospel I do not question your goodness. One Day it will all make sense … or better still, one Day some things just won’t matter to me. But for now, you see and bottle our tears and, one Day you will wipe them away and redeem their pain. We are blessed beyond all calculating and sensibility. Hallelujah!
SO VERY AMEN