Adopted: From Orphan to “Abba, Father"

Scripture Reading – Romans 8:15 (KJV)
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Devotional
Before Christ, we lived under a “spirit of bondage”—slaves to sin, gripped by fear, guilty before a holy God. But when God saved you, He did more than pardon you. He adopted you.

Adoption means God chose you. You didn’t go out and “find” God; He came looking for you when you weren’t even interested. Like an orphan in a broken situation, you had nothing to offer Him. Yet He took the initiative in love, brought you out of bondage, and made you part of His family.

Now you do not approach God as a distant, cold judge, but as “Abba, Father”—the intimate, affectionate “Daddy” of your soul. Human fathers may fail, be absent, or even wound us. But your heavenly Father never leaves, never lies, never breaks His promises. In His family, there are no “daddy issues.” There is security, tenderness, and unfailing love.

The Spirit of adoption in you gives you confidence to run toward God in your weakness, not away from Him in fear.

Reflection
How have your experiences with earthly parents—good or bad—shaped the way you think about God as Father? Where do you struggle to see Him as a loving “Abba”?

Prayer
Abba, Father,
Thank You for adopting me into Your family.
Thank You that I no longer live in bondage to fear, but in the security of Your love.
Heal the wrong ideas I have about You that come from broken human relationships.
Help me to trust You as my perfect Father and to run to You in every need.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action
Take 5–10 quiet minutes today and simply talk to God as “Daddy.” Be honest—tell Him your fears, disappointments, and needs just as a child would. Don’t try to be formal; talk like you would to a trusted, loving father who delights to hear your voice.