Your Name Is DaughterSample

Day 1: Yes, You.

Things seem to have gotten a little muddy when it comes to what it means to be God’s daughter.

What are God’s daughters supposed to be like? Is there a personality we are all trying to have? How does God see women? What can a woman do or not do? Why? What does the Bible say? What does the world say? Obviously, I have questions. And I know you do, too.

So this is a plan about what it means when God says your name is daughter. Yes, you. Your name.

The one with the hat covering who knows how many days of unwashed hair (day four for me). The one who just said something you regretted, and so the idea of being royalty is not anywhere on your radar. The one who thinks being God’s daughter is something you might have to earn, or at least work hard to keep.

But 1 John 3:1 (NLT) says with an exclamation, “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”

Did you catch it?

Why does God call us His children, His daughters?

Is it because of how much we checked off our to-do list today, so He can be proud of us?

Is it because we have beaten ourselves up for what we’ve done, so we are now acceptable?

Is it because we have done a pretty good job today?

No, to all three.

“See how much our Father LOVES us . . .”

We are called daughter because of how much the Father loves us.

This is about His love for you, and nothing else.

A parent loves her child simply because they are hers. Because being loved is not about what you do or don’t do, it’s about WHO loves you. And if the Father has loved you, then you are His daughter. Full stop.

His love is so big and broad for us that it reaches down and calls us and claims us as His own. You are His Daughter because the Father loves you. Period.

I hope you just released a sigh of relief. Because the pressure is off. You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to contort yourself. You don’t have to make yourself smaller or bigger, louder or quieter for Him. You don’t have to self-protect. Or self-promote. You are protected and promoted in the kingdom of God because you are your Father’s daughter.

And who gets to be called daughter?

It turns out the entry fee to daughtership is faith. When you give your life to Jesus, the Father gives you the right to be called a child of God. That’s it.

So if anyone tries to tell you what a daughter can and can’t do, take it up with your Father. Ask your Abba Father about His plans for you. Seek His kingdom, not anyone else’s. Seek His Word. Seek His Spirit. Seek Him in community.

Your name is Daughter.

Prayer for today: God, help me to believe that being your daughter is the most beautiful and powerful thing about me. I am yours and I always belong at home with you. Amen.