Abba

And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.” Mark 14:36 (nkjv)

On a trip to Israel several years ago, my husband and I visited the market area on the busy Ben Yehuda Street after the Sabbath ended on Saturday evening. The scene was one of chaos and confusion. People were bustling about while excitedly talking, music was playing, and the aroma of fresh-baking bread filled the air. Above the noise of the crowd, we heard the frantic cries of a small boy who was separated from his father. He anxiously cried, “Abba . . . Abba!” We watched as a man recognized the cry of his son and ran to the little boy, embracing him in his arms of protection. The young boy had found his father, his Abba.

In Mark 14, we hear the cries of Jesus as He called out to “Abba, Father!” Jesus used the Aramaic name for God. This was a unique term never used by Jews prior to this time to address God. Jesus used an intimate name in addressing His Father, a name that signified an intimate relationship with His Father. In this passage, we get a glimpse of Jesus during a time of great stress and turmoil as He faced Calvary and the cross. During those hours of trouble and distress, Jesus called out to “Abba.”

As Christian women, we often face days of chaos and uncertainty. The world bustles around us, often noisily trying to distract us from God’s will in our lives. We face deadlines, overdue bills, urgent e-mails, demanding text messages, and frantic phone calls that interrupt our day. In the midst of this confusion and chaos, we can cry out to our Abba, our Father. He offers peace, guidance, protection, and comfort.

Dear gracious heavenly Father, I pray for Your guidance in this new day that You have created. As a father guides a young child, please guide every step I take today. Help me to rest in the knowledge that, as my Abba, You hold me in the very palm of Your hands. I love You, Father. Amen.