“Let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16
Sovereign Father, how I thank you that I have a great high priest in Jesus—a Savior who was tempted and tested in every way, but proved utterly faithful to you as a Son. He now stands as my representative, my high priest in heaven, imputing his righteousness to me and making me beautiful in your sight. I, too, am now counted as a son, and invited to the throne in my time of need.
Why then is it that I so infrequently draw near to you? Why I do neglect the abundant supply of your mercy? Rather than approach your throne of grace, why do I busy myself with worry and worldly schemes? Why is prayer a last resort, if even a resort at all? Should prayer, drawing near, not be my first response to every circumstance and need that I face?
Father, I must confess my unbelief. Regrettably, I live much of my life in atheistic self-sufficiency. And you know the results: worry, stress, outbursts of anger, pride, selfishness, depression, fear, anxiety, and the like. But your word tells me to cast my anxieties, and every other weed of unbelief, on you—for you care for me. As a father loves his child, so you love me. And you are a sovereign Father, who orders all events and circumstances in such a way that all things ultimately work for the good—the blessing—of those who love you and have been called by you to be adopted, and dearly loved, sons and daughters.
And yet I think another reason why I do not draw near is another symptom of unbelief—guilt. It is just so hard for me to believe that my sin has been atoned, covered and cleansed, by the blood of Jesus. Of course, Father, for me to be imprisoned in the dungeon of guilt is to not believe your promise in the gospel. As John said, if I confess my sins, you are faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse every stain.
I want to believe and rest in the fact that, because of the cross, I am now invited to draw near to your throne. Not the throne of judgment, but the throne of grace, so that I may receive help from the omnipotent God—the God who has invited me to call him Abba. My Abba, what I need today is grace. Grace upon grace to repent, believe and live in the context of your sovereign care and abounding resources of mercy. Help me to draw near, not long after my time of need, but in my time of need. Help me bring all my cares, whether cares of anxiety or guilt, before you.
Father, enable me to abide in the truth of Charitie Lees Bancroft’s hymn, that says,
Before the throne of God above, I have a strong, a perfect plea; a great High Priest whose name is Love who ever lives and pleads for me.
When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within; Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free; For God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me.
Yes, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief so that I may draw near and find grace and mercy in my time of need.
