abba, father

For the first time this summer, I have time to read a book for fun & not for a class. There are several books that I would like to read this summer, but I decided to reread a favorite instead. I am reading, for the fifth time in three years, Leslie Ludy's Authentic Beauty. Leslie challenges her reader (me, in this case) to live a pure, set apart life for the Lord. Throughout the book she refers to Christ as every girls' perfect Prince. I love the analogy, & agree with her, but I love seeing God as my Father--the King of all.

Leslie's analogy is great--she encourages young ladies to have a vibrant relationship with Christ, their true Prince, before they seek for the young man of their dreams. This summer, I have fallen so in love with my Prince. In Song of Solomon, Christ is depicted as the "lover of my soul," the Prince in Authentic Beauty. Each time I read Ludy's book, I learn so much about myself & realize how much more I can show my love for my Prince.

About a month ago I analyzed the lyrics to Me & God. One of the lines says, "He's my Father, He's my friend." I love that. A father's love is expected to be unconditional, & I know that the love of my heavenly Father is so. Last night we sang Abba, Father. The song is a prayer from a Christian child to his heavenly Father. All of the lines are so true--I want God to have control of my life, but I know I will get scared along the way & need to lean on Him for comfort. That's what dads are for. God promises to take care of His children. Before the message of last night, Jason Webber sang Amazing Grace, Amazing Love. The song beautifully tells of the amazing grace & love that God, my Father, has for me. What a promise!

This summer I have learned so much about the character of my God as I read through the Psalms, attend church services, & read good books. My two favorite characteristics? God is my Prince, the lover of my soul & God is my Father & shows me unconditional love. How can I ever repay Him?

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Abba, Father

by Ron Hamilton

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Father, hold me safe in Your arms;

Father, keep me free from all harm.

I cast my care on You

Just like a child should do--

Trusting, loving all that You are.

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Chorus

Abba, Father,

I rest in You;

You're always faithful,

You're always true.

Abba, Father,

You are my song

Though clouds are dark,

Though night is long.

I cry to you,

Abba, Father

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Father, help me lean on You more

Through each valley, through every storm.

Help me when I can't see

Your will is best for me;

Love me, hold me sheltered & warm.

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Father, mold me, make me like new.

Guide my footsteps, keep my heart true--

So that the world may see

Your likeness lives in me.

Break me, shape me, make me like You.