Expect Mercy
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.”
As a school-aged child, the thought of being sent to the Principal’s office was often an anxious one. If we were sent there, it likely meant we did something wrong and we would have to face the consequences. We knew enough about the Principal to know he was an authority figure who we feared. We likely carried our backpack and waited with trepidation to hear our sentence. We expected punishment.
But, if the Principal was a friend, someone we trusted who treated us with kindness, we might find ourselves eager to stop in and say hello. The office wasn’t a place to be feared but a welcome place where we were seen and encouraged. We could drop our backpack, unload our worries and likely get a sticker and a smile to encourage us. Even if there we’d done wrong, we trusted those there to treat us fairly.
When we mess up in life, what is it that we fear most? If we don’t know the Lord, maybe we fear the consequences of what we’ve done- the fallout from our choices, actions and words. Perhaps we struggle with the angst of ‘karma’ and the just repercussions of what we deserve. We drag our baggage with us with no sign of relief or rest and no expectation of any mercy. Or maybe we know enough to understand the wrath of God is to be feared… and we fear how it will impact us.
But knowing about God and knowing God are two very different things.
If we know the Lord, we should understand the mercy of a Loving Father. He welcomes us into His throne room. We can run in without hesitation, drop our baggage and throw ourselves into His merciful embrace. He’s got mercy for us in abundance. No, He won’t excuse away our willful sin, but He will forgive our trespasses when we come to Him with a contrite heart. He wraps His loving arms around us and tells us that His mercy is enough to cover all of our mistakes, completely and for all time. We can approach His throne of grace with confidence, not fear and expect mercy.
What do our sons and daughters understand about God’s mercy, really? Let’s pray Hebrews 4:16 over them today and ask the Lord to help them know and have confidence in His mercy.
“Heavenly Father, I pray for (name) today that they would, with confidence, draw near Your throne of grace. Lord, don’t let them be anxious or fearful, but to come before you knowing that You love them and want to welcome them in, show them grace and mercy and help them in their time of need. Lord, work in (name)’s heart this morning. Help them not just know ‘about’ You, but to know You personally and to love you deeply. Help them to be confident they can trust You with anything, even their worst mistakes, knowing You will treat them with grace and mercy. Lord, be near to them today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.