You have received the Spirit of adoption
as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Rom. 8:15-17
Heavenly Father, it’s a most awesome privilege to know we are your grace-enveloped daughters and sons, and to address you as “Abba, Father.” And now, as this Scripture attests, the Holy Spirit is constantly telling us how much you love us and delight in us. Perhaps we need hearing aids?
Indeed, Father, turn up the volume of the Spirit’s voice, as high as the dial will go. Because many other voices vie to define us. The world tells us we’re not attractive, smart, “cool,” or impressive enough. Satan incessantly condemns us and lies to us.
There’s the voice of vain regrets, haunting us about past failures and missed opportunities. Our worries and anxieties blast us with “what if’s” and “if only’s. And the voice of shame seeks to keep us off-balance, insecure, and deaf to the Gospel.
BUT then there’s your blessed voice, Father. By the Spirit we hear you say, “I have loved you with an everlasting love and with cords of kindness I’ve bound you to my heart. I’ve robed you in Jesus’ righteousness, and sealed you with my Spirit.”
“Nothing will separate you from my love, take you from Jesus’ hand, or write you out of my book. Your past is forgiven; your present is my domain; and your future is beyond all you could ask or imagine. Trust me.”
Father, by your Word and Spirit, speak these truths to us a way we cannot ignore them or easily dismiss them. Thank you for loving us—not as we will be, or ought to be, but as we actually are. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.
