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. (ESV)
I don’t know about you, but I need God’s grace to get me through each day. When I look over my whole life – which is what most folks do when they get older – I still feel embarrassed, foolish, or even ashamed about things that I’ve thought, said, or done in the past. I continue to remember old conflicts that I created with family, friends, and other people. Times when I was outspoken, self-righteous, and arrogance severely impact my soul. Moments of carelessness, madness, and recklessness are replayed in my mind and numerous incidents of wrong-doing, wrong paths taken, or wrong ideas overwhelm me now and then. I realize that I am imperfect, fallen, and sinful – which is why I need the perfect, upright, and holy remedy to my dilemma: God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
When I think about what Jesus did for the whole world – dying for our sins – it humbles, terrifies, and comforts me all at the same time. I am humbled because I don’t deserve such love; I am terrified because I know God could judge me; I am comforted because Christ saves me. I may not be the best of Christians, but Jesus is the best Savior I can ever know, so I place everything in His crucified hands – my sin, my shame, my past – then draw near to His throne of grace and seek mercy which He graciously gives when I most need forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
Maybe you’re going through a bad time. Perhaps you have deep regrets or wish that you could have said or done something differently. Maybe you’re carrying a burden which has been with you for a long time. Maybe you’re depressed about the past or worried about your future. Please know this: Christ understands you; Christ forgives you; Christ will restore you through the riches of His grace and the boundless love of God. 😊
Q: What is unresolved in my life? How can Christ restore me today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are all weak, wayward, selfish, and sinful. Our mistakes are many and our sins are countless. We are imperfect, foolish, and even wicked at times. Forgive our faults, accept our confessions, and apply Your grace to heal our broken and fallen ways. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.