For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore
come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace
to help in time of need.
~ Hebrews 4:15-16
When we sin, our reaction is to hide from God, just as Adam and Eve did in
the garden after eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil. Our shame drives us to try to conceal the sin from God, hoping He
won't notice it if we cover it with enough good works. We begin hiding a
portion of ourselves in the darkness, avoiding the light of God's truth, and
so sin gains a foothold in our life.
Why do we do this? Out of a fear of condemnation? And do we think that God
doesn't see the sin we're trying to hide? We forget that nothing is hidden
from God, and our feeble attempts to hide the sin only damage us. Beloved
of God, know and believe with all your heart that God is not condemning you
for your sin...the shame you feel is how our enemy drives a wedge between
you and God, causing a rift in your relationship with Him and isolating you.
Jesus came to earth as the sacrifice and atonement for our sins, and through
his death on the cross He reconciled us with God.
As believers we can boldly approach the throne of God, knowing that mercy
and grace are freely given to us in our times of need. Our great High
Priest, Jesus Christ, lived on this earth and suffered temptations - He
knows the struggles you are going through and wants to be your shelter in
those times. Turn to Him today and ask Him for His forgiveness, and rest in
that, knowing you are under His grace and mercy, not His condemnation. For
Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the lost, but to save them.
No matter the sin, it can be and IS forgiven when you ask for forgiveness.
As 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL (my emphasis)
unrighteousness." Rest in that assurance today...you are forgiven, and God
offers His grace and mercy to you today in your time of need. All you need
to do is boldly approach His throne in prayer, asking for forgiveness and
help, and it's yours, freely given. Let go of the shame and condemnation
you may be feeling and approach the throne of God boldly, with confidence,
knowing that His forgiveness is yours without any hesitation or doubt. He
will NEVER turn you away!
Lord, thank You for the forgiveness You so freely give to us. Let Your
grace and mercy surround and fill us today and every day. Help us as we
struggle with condemnation and doubts that our sins have really been
forgiven, and help us to turn to Your Word for the assurance we need...help
us to choose to trust You rather than our feelings, because Your Word is
greater than our doubts. We thank You for the sacrifice of the cross,
knowing that Your love for us was so great that you paid the ultimate price.
In Jesus' name,
Amen!!
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