Abba, Father

            For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Rom 8:15)

I recently faced issues that I had never faced and dealt with responsibilities far beyond my abilities. Things had gotten very stressful and I didn’t know what to do. I was so afraid and helpless that I just lay down on the floor of my apartment and moped.

Then I thought, “Maybe I should pray.” So I started praying in spirit. I told God that I didn’t know what to do anymore. Everything was just too hard. I didn’t have strength. I was scared. I wanted to run away.

As I prayed, I felt the warmth of the Holy Spirit comfort me. The longer I prayed, the more comforted I was. The fear in me began to dissipate and was replaced by a feeling of hope. I started remembering all that God had done for me in the past.

Even though the problems and challenges still existed, I knew everything was going to be all right. God is my Father and He will take care of me. My worries faded and all I desired to do was to please my Father.

Before I prayed, I was afraid of many things. But as I prayed, my soul was calmed and quieted. I was completely at peace.

Romans 8:15 tells us that the promised Holy Spirit we receive is the Spirit of adoption. This Spirit “bears witness…that we are children of God” (Rom 8:16). Thus, when we pray in spirit, we are certain that we are God’s children. We are not orphans. We are not lonely because God is with us. We are not afraid because God will help us.

If we have ever felt alone, if we don't know what to do, or if we forget who we are, let us not forget that we can pray. For the spirit we receive is not the spirit of bondage to fear, but God’s Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

            Question for Reflection:

            Do you cry out in prayer to your heavenly Father?