Presence & Power预览

ENTER BOLDLY

What stops us from approaching God?

The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace, undeserved, and freely given. Yet though we are saved, we are also being saved, transformed day-by-day through His presence to become more like Him. So why is it that knowing we are not perfect and are still a work in progress - we allow our failings to make us feel guilty and even withdraw us from seeking God's presence?

There are, of course, consequences to our actions, if someone steals a car, the Police will probably have something to say about it, but it should not stop us from running into God's arms of forgiveness and grace. If my child fails at something, I don't expect them not to come home that day - I expect them to come home and share what has happened, to know that I will love them through it. How much more is the Father's love?

Psalm 103 reminds us that "as a Father has compassion on His children," so the Lord has compassion on us. It reminds us that He forgives our sins, heals us, redeems us, and crowns us with love, being slow to anger, not treating us as our sins deserve, and removing our transgressions from us! It cannot be any clearer; enter boldly! Hebrews tells us to "approach His throne with confidence." Ephesians 3:12 tells us, "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Yet the enemy wants nothing more than to separate us from this truth. Why? Because there is no other created creature that has this privilege. God calls us 'friends' and 'sons and daughters.' He calls us 'Holy,' not because of anything we have done but because of how close we are to His presence.

Today, do not allow the enemy to separate you from the love of God. Maybe you have messed up somewhere, and God's conviction is encouraging you that you can do better. If so, ask God for forgiveness and run straight back into His arms. However, if you are feeling guilty and it is separating you from entering His throne of grace, know this is not from God. Enter boldly and thank God that no feeling can separate you from His love. Ask God for forgiveness and choose to remind your soul of His grace, compassion, and abounding love.