With confidence before the throne

379 with confidence in front of the throneIn the letter to the Hebrews 4,16 It says, "Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, that we may receive mercy and find grace in the time of need." Many years ago I heard a sermon on this verse. The preacher was not a prosperity gospel advocate, but he was very specific about asking God for the things we want with confidence and with our heads held high. If they are good for us and those around us, then God will make them happen.

Well, that's exactly what I did and you know what? God did not give me the things I asked for. Just imagine my disappointment! My faith was a little scratched by it, because it felt like I gave God a huge leap of faith by asking him something with his head held high. At the same time, I felt that my distrust of the whole thing kept me from getting what I asked God to do. Does our creed begin to crumble if God does not give us what we want, even though we know it would be best for us and everyone else? Do we really know what's best for us and everyone else? Maybe we think so, but in reality we do not know it. God sees everything and he knows everything. Only he knows what is best for each of us! Is it really our mistrust that prevents God's action? What does it really mean to stand with confidence before the mercy seat of God?

This passage is not about standing before God with the kind of authority we know - an authority that is brave, determined, and bold. Rather, the verse paints a picture of what our intimate relationship with our high priest, Jesus Christ, should look like. We can address Christ directly and do not need any other person as mediator - no priest, clergyman, guru, clairvoyant or angel. This direct contact is something very special. It was not possible for people before Christ's death. During the Old Covenant era, the high priest was the mediator between God and man. Only he had access to the holiest place (Hebrews 9,7). This extraordinary place in the tabernacle was special. It was believed that this is where the presence of God was on earth. A cloth or curtain separated it from the rest of the temple, where people were allowed to stay.

When Christ died for our sins, the curtain was torn in two7,50). God no longer dwells in the man-made temple (Acts 1 Cor7,24). The temple is no longer the way to God the Father, but it and being courageous. We can tell Jesus how we feel. It is not about expressing courageous questions and requests that we would like to have fulfilled. It's about being honest and without fear. It is about pouring out our hearts to those who understand us and having the confidence that they will do what is best for us. We come before him with confidence and our heads held high so that we may find grace and kindness to help us in difficult times. (Hebrews 4,16Imagine that we no longer have to worry about the wrong words, the wrong time, or the wrong posture in our prayers. We have a high priest who only looks at our hearts. God doesn't punish us. He wants us to understand how much he loves us! It is not our faith or its absence, but God's faithfulness that gives meaning to our prayers.

Proposals for implementation

Talk to God all day. Tell him honestly how you are. When you're happy, say, “God, I'm so happy. Thank you for the good things in my life.”. When you're sad, say, “God, I'm so sad. Please comfort me.”. If you're unsure and don't know what to do, say, “God, I don't know what to do. Please help me to see your will in all that lies ahead.”. When you're angry, say, “Lord, I'm so angry. Please help me not to say something I will later regret.” Ask God to help you and to trust Him. Pray for God's will to be done and not theirs. In James 4,3 It says, "You ask and receive nothing, because you ask with evil intentions, that you may squander it on your lusts." If you want to receive good, you should ask for good. Review Bible verses or songs throughout the day.    

by Barbara Dahlgren


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