Because of religion, it has become quite difficult for people to accept the goodness of God by grace. Most people often think they have to live a life of perfection to earn God's goodness. With this mindset, people try to live a godly life through their own self-will and empowerment. I've been there and that thinking caused my life to be in an unending cycle of condemnation and guilt.
I can recall times, feeling ashamed, when I didn't spend time with God. The shame made me avoid Him because I assumed He was displeased with me. I would then do something that I thought would earn his pleasure and favor back. This would relieve the guilt and ease my conscious to reenter His presence. And of course, this cycle continued.
God's grace says that you have free access to the throne of God despite what you have done and where you are in life. Grace says you are forgiven and God doesn't hold your sins against you. Actually, He doesn't even see your sin because the blood of Jesus has completely washed it away. No, this doesn't give you free rein to live a life dishonoring God and His Word, but it eases your mind to know that you can go boldly before God's throne to receive help in the time of need. God wants to be your help.
If you are dealing with a way of life that you know is displeasing to God, don't run away from Him, but run towards Him. Let Him show you how to trust Him. Let Him build you up internally to eradicate the sin out of your life. Let Him be the source of power in you to resist what is displeasing to Him. The key to defeating sin is Jesus and the enemy's plan is to keep you in condemnation and not feel that you deserve to be in His presence.
Be reminded on today of Hebrews 4: 16 NLT So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Prayer for the Journey
God, my desire is to live a life that is pleasing to you. I realize that sin is the root of not trusting you. I choose to not walk in condemnation and shame because of my faults. I come boldly before your throne realizing I am forgiven because of grace alone. Lord help me! Through your word change my thinking! If my thinking is changed then I know that my actions will be changed. I draw close realizing that change happens only through You! In Jesus Name, Amen!
We had an amazing time on Saturday in the Unveiling True Purpose Course. If you want to be apart of this journey, you can still sign-up to attend the Thursday option.