God is our Father, but do we have the type of relationship with God that allows us to feel comfortable enough to call him Father? Can we go to him as our Abba without fear or hesitation? Do we trust in his unfailing presence?
Although I received various accolades and kudos as an elementary school educator, none compared to what I consider the greatest compliment. It happened the day one of my students called me Mom.
As soon as the word left the student’s lips, there was embarrassment on his part and giggles from his classmates.
For me, however, that one word brought a smile to my face.
I believed being called Mom meant the student felt comfortable and safe. He trusted me as he would trust his own mother. There was no fear or hesitation in coming to me with his questions. I was Mom.
As a teacher, I had many roles. I led, instructed, and helped. Mediated, advocated, and counseled. Listened, encouraged, and cheered my students on. It was a known fact I loved all things Winnie-the-Pooh, loose jasmine tea, and dogs. And I cried openly during the sad parts of our Read Aloud books.
Looking at the many attributes of God, we find he fills a multitude of roles. God is El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One. He lacks nothing. He is Jehovah-shalom, our Peace. We need not fear for he is with us. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are made righteous before God. He is our Jehovah-tsidkenu, our Righteousness.
Everything we need can be found in God our Jehovah-jireh, our Provider.
Because God is Adonai, 
LORD and Master, and El Elyon, the God Most High, we bow in reverence and awe.
As Adonai, God requires his people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before him. He instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
When Jesus modeled how we should pray, he said we are to call God our Father. God invites us to claim our place as one of his adopted children.
I believe, just as a smile came to my face the day my student called me Mom many years ago, a smile comes to God’s face when we call him Abba Father.
Calling God our Father shows we feel secure in God’s presence. It shows we feel safe. Comfortable. Through this one endearment, we show we trust him as a Father who cares for our every need.
Is it easy or difficult for you to address God as your Father? How comfortable do you feel going to him as your Abba without fear or hesitation? Do you trust in God’s unfailing presence as your Father?
I wish you well.
