Galatians 4:6 NKJV
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
How often do children cry out to their parents when they’re upset, sad, or in need of something? Who hasn’t witnessed a parent respond to the pleading eyes of a child? The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 49:15 that even if a mother might forget her child, God never will: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” We serve a God who is our Abba Father. Just as parents feel deep pain when their children are in distress, our Heavenly Father feels the same way for us.
Many of us approach God as if we are merely His servants, pleading for mercy or favor. This attitude does not bring Him joy. Instead, Galatians 4:6 reminds us that “God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” He desires us to come to Him with the same trust and openness that a child has toward their father. We are His sons and daughters. When we pray with the confidence of beloved children, it delights God (Romans 8:15).
Jesus introduced the concept of God as Father to His disciples when He taught them the Lord’s Prayer, saying, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). He often spoke of His mission to fulfill the Father’s will. Frequently, Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray. And in those moments, His Heavenly Father heard Him and provided strength (Luke 5:16). Jesus wanted His disciples to share in that same intimate relationship with the Father. As His disciples today, we are called to do the same. The Spirit within us cries out, “Abba, Father,” guiding us to pray according to God’s will.
So let us approach our Heavenly Father with bold confidence – empowered by the Spirit He has poured into us, knowing that He delights in our prayers.
