Who's Your Daddy?

Have you ever considered God to be your Daddy? When you pray, have you addressed Him as your Father or perhaps "Heavenly Father?"

Galatians 4:6 says, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" This Aramaic word "Abba" means "Daddy" or "Father." It is a term of warm affection and respect. For some, you have a negative view of your earthly dad, but your heavenly Father is caring, loving, and approachable. For others, calling God daddy seems irreverent. However, Jesus called God "Our Father" in Matthew 6:9, giving us that same right.

Interestingly, most children living in the US call their fathers Daddy; however, in the Middle East, children call their fathers Abba. Even more interesting is that in Scripture, the name for God, Abba, is always followed by the name Father. The phrase Abba Father is seen three times in the Bible.

First, when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus addresses God as Abba, Father. He asked his Abba Father to remove the bitter cup of going to the cross. Then follows with not my will, but your be done. (Mark 14:36) And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Secondly, Romans 8:15 uses the term to describe being adopted into the family of God. As the children of God and heirs with Christ, we can call Him Abba Father. Romans 8:15 reads, "For you did not recieve the spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship. And, by him we cry "Abba, Father." (KJV)

Thirdly, we again read the term in Galatians 4:6 in the context of adoption. As these two terms are bumped up next to each other in reading Abba Father, I see a double emphasis on the enduring intimate relationship between a daughter or son and Father. Galations 4:6 "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Be reminded today that as a believer, God is your Abba Father. He has adopted you into the family. He cares for you. You can rest assured that he is watching over you, singing over you, and loves you deeply just as any good Father does.

I am humbled and honored to call Him my Daddy. How about you?