“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
What typically brings you peace?
For a lot of us, it’s prayer. Prayer is often described as communication with God.
Though prayer brings peace to so many, I have had moments where even the thought of prayer instantly made me feel anxious.
I tend to approach prayer in a defeated voice, ready to spew out all my problems, insecurities, and current struggles to God. I also have moments where I feel unworthy to pray. On top of that, I am oftentimes overwhelmed by life, and talking about my life to God is not always easy.
One morning before prayer, I shuffled my way slowly to my living room and sat on my couch, cuddled up in a blanket. I let out a huge sigh and mustered up the few words I could say in a melancholy tone.
“Well, God. I do not know what to say.”
Shortly after I spoke those words, I became acutely aware of my tone. I had no ounce of confidence in my voice. I paused for a few moments, and suddenly the words, come boldly before God’s throne, entered my mind.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
In reading verse 16, I was reminded that I should come confidently to God’s throne.
What brought me the greatest sense of peace at that moment was realizing that God’s throne is not just any throne; it’s a throne of grace.
After reading verse 16, I went a few verses back because I wanted to know exactly why we can come confidently to God’s throne of grace. I was reminded how Jesus empathizes with us, as he was tempted in every way, yet he still refrained from sin.
Demonstrating empathy is one of my favorite traits to see in others. Empathy demonstrates the ability to see life from multiple perspectives and feel the emotions of others. To know that God empathizes with me sets my mind at ease.
There is peace in knowing that when I pray, God is eagerly listening, full of empathy, and desires for me to approach him confidently.
Prayer: God, thank you for your empathy. Sometimes, I feel unworthy to pray and too consumed with the hustle and bustle of life. Help me, God, to remember the peace that comes in knowing that you desire for me to confidently approach your throne of grace.
Your Turn: What brings you peace in the midst of chaos?