The Antidote for Anxiety and Depression: Trust in Abba Father’s Care – Pt 26
Boldly Approach God’s Throne of Grace!
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
– Hebrews 4:16
I realized that because of all the trauma I experienced that resulted in the maladaptive behaviours I exhibited, I often felt that I could not do anything right. For example, I knew that I needed to eat balanced meals in order to be healthy yet I starved myself on purpose. I knew that chronic purging will eventually damage my stomach and intestines but I couldn’t control myself whenever I was tempted to purge so I did. I knew that committing suicide was not going to solve my problems yet I couldn’t resist the temptations to do so every time. Also, I knew that isolating myself only left me alone to my thoughts and caused me to be an easy prey for the enemy yet I isolated myself anyway. Therefore, I was always so hard on myself for never doing anything right.
I also found it difficult to trust others because of my perception that no one loved me or cared about me so I never wanted to be a bother or burden to others. Hence my inability to seek help when I needed it. I often felt that I was too needy and that was what drove people away from me. I didn’t know how to find the balance between needing people and needing people too much. As a result, my first reaction was to protect myself from rejection. I felt like no one understood what I was going through.
Furthermore, I believed that I had disappointed everyone, including God so I was too ashamed to ask for help when I needed it. After all, why would anyone help me when I was the cause of my issues in the first place? If I would only do what’s right then I wouldn’t need to ask anyone for help. Hence, so many times I knew that I just needed to talk to God but I couldn’t bring myself to doing it.
Nevertheless, friends, no matter what your situation is or how you feel, you are encouraged in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.
The word “boldly” in this verse is the Greek word parresia, which indicates boldness, frankness, forthrightness, and outspokenness. It therefore means that God wants you to come to Him without fear, shyness, or any other reservation. You can be as bold, frank, forthright and outspoken as you need to be with Him, as long as you are respectful.
Friends, there is also a set time when you can approach God’s throne of grace. The verse pointed it out as “in time of need”. The word “time” is the Greek word eukairos, and it describes a well-timed moment, the right time, a convenient time, a suitable time, or an appropriate time. This means that every time you have a need is the right, convenient, suitable, or appropriate time to go before God’s throne of grace for His help of grace and mercy.
You see, the reason God invites you to come to His throne of grace with boldness, every time you have a need is because He understands all that you are going through and He knows all your needs. Verse 15 of Hebrews 4 states, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Thus, you can trust Him today.
Shalom!
MY PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father my soul magnifies and blesses You for Your faithfulness and goodness towards me. Thank You for the invite to come boldly to Your throne of grace in order to receive mercy and grace to help me whenever I need it. Thank You for Your new mercies every morning and Your sufficient grace. I declare that I will take every opportunity to approach God’s throne without fear and reservations and He responds to me favourably every time according to His will. I pray this by faith in Jesus’ name with thanksgiving. Amen!
