Hebrews 4:16 -- 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.

I remember during my time in the Army how intimidating it was to meet with supervisors of superior rank. I met with First Sergeants and Command Sergeant Majors, Colonels, and other officials that outranked me by a country mile. These encounters were intimidating for a young soldier. These were very important people with significant rank. I was a lowly private and bottom of the rung. This gap in stature made any encounter an intimidating affair. 

But this is not how the Christian should think about our access to God. The Creator of the universe “outranks” everyone on the planet. There is no greater superior than the Lord Almighty. We are nobodies in comparison to His greatness. Yet, rather than cower or stumble into His presence as knocking knee privates do a superior officer, we are told to enter God’s presence with God confidence. 

The Hebrew writer says, “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.” We can draw near to God. We do this by prayer. We do this in gathered worship with His church. The access we have is through Christ our Savior. Because of Him we can draw near with confidence. This means we do not fret, worry, or doubt our acceptance. Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven, our debt is paid, and our inheritance is secure. We can draw near.

What do we seek as we draw near? Mercy, grace, and help in our time of need. We receive mercy and grace in our lives. This is good news for Christians because we continue to need it. We still sin. We still fail to live out our faith perfectly each day. We need mercy and grace. 

We also still experience pain and suffering. This promise of access to the throne of grace offers us help in our time of need. We can come with confidence to the God who cares about our plights. He cares about our pain. Seek Him today. Be confident as you pray that you are known and loved.

Reflection & Journal: 
- What do you think is the biggest struggle people have with confidence to draw near to God?
- How can imperfect people have confidence to draw near to a perfect God?
- What helps does God supply those who draw near the throne of grace?

Sign up to receive our daily devotions in your inbox here!