For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but 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, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:15-17
Daddy. What a sweet term of endearment. Father is a word denoting the facts of paternity, but the word “Daddy” evokes feelings of affection, trust, and delight. I am privileged to have a Daddy who has always been a part of my life so I can further appreciate God’s love from a child’s perspective. However, I absolutely LOVE watching the relationship our daughter has with her Daddy, my husband. It gives me a clearer perspective from both the Father and child’s viewpoint.
Bob adores His daughter. He delights in her presence. He would do anything to protect her. He loves to teach her new skills and watch her develop in her giftings. He provides for her needs and loves to give her gifts that are totally unnecessary. There is a sense of safety and security she experiences with Him that she doesn’t with anyone else.
Because we were created in God’s image, we can enjoy these sweet family relationships. Human relationships were designed to reflect the beautiful Trinity love, and through them, we get glimpses into God’s heart (albeit incomplete and imperfect glimpses.)
Just as Bob adopted Cadence into his earthly forever family, the God of the universe invites us to be a part of His eternal family. What an incredible gift! He doesn’t just offer justification and rescue from sin, but He offers a seat at His table. He delights in our presence, cares for every need, and has promised us an unfading inheritance in Jesus Christ. He always is present and ready to listen to us, and His Spirit gently leads, comforts, and teaches us.
To see a perfect example of a human and divine love relationship, we look to Jesus Christ while He was a man on earth. The sweet delight, desire to be with, and dependence upon the Father that Christ displayed should be our disposition to our heavenly Father. A read through the Gospels will display this love and unity, specifically a read through John 14-17.
Today, take time to consider God’s gift of spiritual family to you. Not only has God redeemed you when you were His enemy, but He has adopted you into His own family! He loves you as He loves His own Son, and you are privileged to share in the inheritance of Jesus Christ.
PRAISE: Glorify God for adopting you as His precious son or daughter.
THANKSGIVING: Thank God that you are part of His forever family.
CONFESSION: Ask God to remind you of your position in Christ. Confess if you have treated God as a foreign dignitary rather than your loving heavenly Father. Ask God to help you accurately reflect His love through your earthly relationships.
FURTHER STUDY: Take time to breathe in the truth about God’s great love for you through His Word. Respond to Him in prayer with what His Spirit reveals.
Hebrews 12:5-13; Galatians 4:1-7; Matthew 7:7-11; Ephesians 5:1-2
Additional Resources
The following printable resources are taken from the 30 Days of Thanksgiving devotional available from Amazon. You’ll also find daily gratitude journaling resources below which are taken from the Every Good Gift journal also available from Amazon.