Hebrews 4:16 ESV

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Just a few verses earlier, Hebrews told us the Word of God lays everything bare. No creature is hidden from His sight. That’s a frightening thought on its own.

So you might expect the writer to tell us to keep our distance. Instead he says the opposite: draw near. With confidence.

Most of us don’t approach God that way. When we’ve failed again, we hang back. We feel we should clean up first, or wait until we’ve had a better week. We come to prayer like someone sneaking into the back of a room, hoping not to be noticed.

That is the Law: we know we don’t deserve to come close.

But look at whose throne it is. It’s a throne of grace. The verses right before tell us why: we have a great high priest… who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus knows exactly what you’re carrying. He has walked through it Himself, and He has already paid for every failure that would keep you away.

Your confidence isn’t in your track record. It’s in Him. So come. Mercy is waiting. Help is there for exactly the need you have today.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I often hang back when I should come close. Thank You that Your throne is a throne of grace. I come to You now, just as I am, for mercy and help in my time of need. Amen.