The presence of God – a courtroom or a home environment? June 29, 2007
Posted by Han in : Relationship with God , trackbackLet us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrew 4:6
Have you ever wonder what is it like for you to come into the presence of God? Do you have the image of God like a judge or a policeman, always in bad mood and ready to scold you whenever you say or commit something wrong! Do you feel guilty and distant all the time? God is like unapproachable or cannot get near. You go into the presence of God only when necessary, asking God for forgiveness, fearing that you might miss his blessing and once done, quickly go away! Then I would term your experience as a courtroom experience. In a courtroom it is pretty tense, waiting to see one is guilty or not, then passing down the sentence. Nobody wants to stay long!
What about a home? Home is a place where there is much warm, love and at times correction and discipline. This should be our experience. Entering into the presence of God is like returning home. You talk to God about your problems and challenges. You share your feeling about a particular situation. You pray for God’s leading and blessing in your life. You are not afraid; you come to God in great confidence knowing that you are son and daughter of the living God. You know in your heart that God loves you and He cares for you. Sometime you will be corrected or disciplined but you know it is good and it will bring you closer to God.
The bible in Hebrews 4:6 encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. How to approach God with confidence? First, we must recognize our position as sons and daughters of God. It is the father and son relationship not judge and criminal! As sons and daughters we can access to God freely. Don’t need to make appointment, anytime and any place. God is always available.
Next, we can obtain mercy. We are not perfect and we do make mistakes. But in the presence of God, there is mercy. God’s mercy cast out that “guilty and distant” feeling we had when we sinned. It does not mean that no correction or discipline but rather God is really to forgive, heal and restore.
Lastly, who do you look for help? Parents, pastor, leaders, best friend or teacher? Let me tell you God is our best help. It is very tiring and unfruitful to seek help from man. With due respect to godly people but they are limited and they do not have a complete picture of the situation. Unlike God, He saw what happened, He understands your feeling and He is very much in control of the future. Therefore, come into the presence of God to obtain help. Psalm 121:1-2 says, I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
God wants us to build a healthy relationship with Him. He does not want us to approach Him with much fear and trembling. God is love. He cares for us.
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