Time of Need

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 9, 2018

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then 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.   Hebrews 4:15-16

Everyone has a time of need—some are intense times of death, divorce and distress—and some daily times of temptation, fear and frustration. The time of need may be one of gratitude, while experiencing the Lord’s bountiful blessing. It may be the need for discretion with finances or modesty when speaking of a gifted and accomplished child. Whatever the need requires, there is an ever-accessible throne of grace to approach.

The throne of God’s grace is good. It is not a throne of condemnation, but of forgiveness. It’s not a throne of rejection, but of acceptance. It’s not a throne of control, but of freedom. The Lord’s throne rules with righteous judgment and justice for all. His throne glistens with trust and never tarnishes for lack of integrity or soiled character. It is simply and ever so—an accessible throne of grace to receive His mercy.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Those saved by grace on earth have immediate and intimate access to heaven’s throne of grace on high. It’s a safe place to confidently confide in Christ your sorrow filled heart—so bring your hurts and heartaches to Him. It’s a sure place of renewal for a fatigued faith—so leave with Him nagging doubts and frustrating fears. It’s a pure place of restoration for a burdened life, so offer crushed emotions to the Lord for His repair. It’s a powerful place for those hounded by the demons of hell, so let God’s word fight for you.

Do you feel guilty for going so often to receive from the Lord at His trusted throne of grace? If so, reject this self-condemnation and replace it with Christ’s commendation. He empathizes with your extreme pain and tantalizing temptations. His holy comfort is the energy you need to engage the world with confidence and compassion. All other seats of power fall powerless to the internal spiritual gumption that only God can give you.

With humility and consistency bow to Christ in reverent fear and worship. It’s out of your praise and adoration from a hurting heart that He hears and answers prayer. Your time of need is His time to lead. Your time of need is His time to prove once again His faithfulness as a loving heavenly Father. Thus—graciously receive in your time of need. 

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given” (John 1:16).

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