With confidence before the throne
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Many years ago, I heard a sermon on this verse. The preacher wasn’t a proponent of the prosperity gospel, but he emphasized that we should ask God for the things we desire 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 isn't about standing before God with the kind of authority we're familiar with—an authority that's bold, assertive, and audacious. Rather, the verse paints a picture of what our intimate relationship with our High Priest, Jesus Christ, should look like. We can speak to Christ directly and don't need any other person as an intermediary—no priest, minister, guru, psychic, or angel. This direct contact is very special. It wasn't possible for people before Christ's death. During the time of the Old Covenant, the high priest was the mediator between God and humanity. He alone had access to the holiest place. (Hebr 9,7)This extraordinary place in the tabernacle was special. It was believed that the presence of God on earth resided in this place. A cloth or curtain separated it from the rest of the temple, where people were permitted to remain.
When Christ died for our sins, the curtain was torn in two. (Mt 27,50)God no longer dwells in the temple that was built by humans. (Apg 17,24)The temple is no longer the way to God the Father, but rather the courage to be there for him. We can tell Jesus how we feel. It's not about making bold demands and requests that we would like to have fulfilled. It's about being honest and without fear. It's about pouring out our hearts before the one who understands us and having faith that he will do what is best for us. We come before him with confidence and heads held high, so that we may find grace and kindness that will help us in difficult times. (Hebr 4,16)Imagine: We no longer have to worry about praying with the wrong words, at the wrong time, or with the wrong attitude. We have a High Priest who sees only our hearts. God does not punish us. He wants us to understand how much He loves us! It is not our faith or the lack thereof, but God's faithfulness that gives meaning to our prayers.
Proposals for implementation
Talk to God throughout the day. Tell Him honestly how you are feeling. If you are happy, say, “God, I am so happy. Thank you for the good things in my life.” If you are sad, say, “God, I am so sad. Please comfort me.” If you are uncertain and don't know what to do, say, “God, I don't know what to do. Please help me see Your will in everything that lies before me.” If you are angry, say, “Lord, I am so angry. Please help me so that I don't say something I will later regret.” Ask God to help you and to trust Him. Pray that God's will be done, not yours. Jakobus 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
