Understanding the Heart Behind “Abba Father”
When I talk about God, I choose to call Him “Father”—and there’s a deep reason for that. In the Bible, God is described with many names, each highlighting a part of who He is. But one of the most touching and personal names is “Abba Father.” The word “Abba” comes from Aramaic, and it’s what little kids would say when they called their dad—like “Daddy” in English. It carries the sense of warmth, closeness, and trust that a child feels for a loving parent.
To me, calling God “Father” isn’t just about respect or tradition. It’s about relationship. Through Jesus Christ, I’ve come to know God not as a distant ruler, but as a caring, present, and trustworthy parent. Jesus Himself used “Abba Father” when He prayed, showing us we’re invited to approach God with the same kind of trust and openness.
What’s so amazing about this is that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly holy, yet He welcomes us to call Him “Daddy.” That means He wants us to come to Him with our worries, joys, doubts, and hopes—just like a child would with their dad. He’s not far away; He’s right here with us, loving us through everything.
The Bible even says, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” That means, through faith, we’re adopted into God’s family. We get to call Him Father. There’s no greater privilege or hope than that.
God’s Faithfulness: A Steadfast Guide
Another reason I call God Father is because of how faithful He is. If you’ve ever read the stories about the Israelites, you know they had to trust God through some tough times—escaping slavery in Egypt, wandering in the desert, and facing their own fears and doubts. But through it all, God kept His promises. He brought them out of hardship because He loved them and had promised good things for them. Even when they faced giants and felt scared, God didn’t leave their side.
I see my own journey in their story. Life brings challenges—fear, setbacks, moments of doubt. Sometimes, the obstacles seem too big, and it’s tempting to give up. But just like the Israelites, I’ve learned that God is faithful. He never asks us to walk alone. He gives us the strength to keep going, the courage to face our fears, and the hope that there’s something good ahead.
The Bible promises that God “keeps His covenant of love to a thousand generations.” That means His faithfulness isn’t just for the people in ancient times—it’s for us, right now, and for our children and their children too.
Running the Race with Confidence
Life is often compared to a race: we’re each running on our own path, facing hurdles along the way. The encouragement in the Bible is clear—don’t let anything slow you down. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who finished the race before us. He knows what it’s like to struggle, but He also knows how to carry us through.
God has a plan for each of us, plans that are good and full of hope. When things get tough, when you’re tempted to give up or go off track, remember: God is faithful. He will never let you be tempted beyond what you can handle, and He will always give you a way to endure or escape the hard moments.
Final Thoughts
Calling God “Father” is more than a religious ritual—it’s about knowing that you belong, that you’re loved, and that you can trust Him no matter what. He’s the perfect parent, always faithful, always present, always loving. That’s why, no matter what I face, I call Him Father—and I know I’m never alone.
Blessings to you on your own journey. May you find comfort, strength, and hope in the arms of your “Abba Father.”
Minister A Francine Green / July 2025
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