When you come into God’s presence, how do you come? With fear and trembling? Are you afraid of what He might do or say? While scripture teaches we are to fear God, this does not mean we’re to be afraid of Him in the same way we fear someone who might cause us harm. While we’re to revere and respect God (fear Him), He desires to have a personal and intimate relationship with us. In fact, His word tells us that as believers who have been purchased by the blood of Christ, we have the rights and privileges of kingdom children.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba, Father!” Romans 8:14-15
Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son then an heir through God. Galatians 4:6-7
We have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again. As believers in Christ, our relationship with God is not that of a slave with his master, but as a child with his father. We are God’s beloved children, and He is our Abba Father. In other words, He’s our Daddy. Do you know God that intimately? Is your relationship with Him one of love and security? Or do you find yourself tiptoeing into His presence so as not to disturb Him. Or do you keep your distance all together for fear of evoking His wrath?
A child who’s secure in the love of an earthly father does not fear spending time with him or going to him whenever they have a need or a problem. They don’t even fear his wrath when they’ve messed up. They may hate to admit they’ve done wrong because they know he’ll be disappointed, but they do not fear his anger. In the same way, as dearly loved children, we’re invited to come into God’s presence boldly and confidently without fear of encountering an angry or revengeful Father.
This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which God carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (must give account). Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16
The first part of this passage should remind us that there is nothing we do, say or even think that God is not aware of. For me, knowing God already knows everything, means I don’t have to spend precious time or energy trying to hide from Him (efforts that would be futile, anyway). Instead, His all-encompassing knowledge invites me to approach Him no matter my situation or circumstances. I can trust Him with everything – the good, the bad and the ugly. I suppose if I had no desire to live for Him, it would be different. But because my desire is to honor Him in all I do, I’m greatly relieved that when I mess up or when I get it wrong, He knows my heart and how much I long to live life His way.
This passage in Hebrews 4:13-16 also paints a beautiful picture of Jesus as our advocate. Although He did not sin, He was still tempted in all the ways we’re tempted. In other words, He knows how we feel; He understands how hard it is to walk in victory over the temptations of this life. Therefore, even when we’re at our lowest or when our weaknesses seem to be stronger than our faith, He doesn’t condemn us. Instead, He sympathizes. And because of our relationship with Christ, we’re invited to come boldly and confidently to the throne of grace.
I believe whenever we approach God’s throne, Jesus walks beside us. We don’t ever go alone. I don’t know about you, but that gives me heavenly chill bumps just thinking about it. And what does scripture say awaits us whenever we approach God’s throne? Condemnation? No! Shame? No! A wrathful whipping? No! God’s word tells us we’ll receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. Satan is the one who condemns. Satan is the one who evokes wrongful shame. And Satan is also the one who likes to see us attempting to hide from God because we fear His wrath against us. Satan doesn’t want us drawing near and discovering there is hope and help and victory at our heavenly Father’s throne of grace.
So, who or what are you going to believe? Satan’s lies? The lies your own fearful flesh tries to feed you? Or the truth, which is God’s promise to us through His word? I don’t know about you, but I’m choosing TRUTH! For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power and love and discipline (a sound mind). II Timothy 1:7
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Now at my bungalow retreat, where I depict country living, bungalow style: Quack, Quack, Honk. Hope you’ll drop by for a visit. www.bungalowretreat.com
