Misplaced Confidence.......

I had to correct myself this morning!
Reading a very well known scripture in it's context, I found that due to pulling the 'famous' verse out, something else has slipped in and skewed my thoughts when I think and quote this verse.

Heb. 4:16 "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need."

I have heard and thought of this verse by itself so often that somehow the part of confidence has been detached from the verses above and is based on who I am in Christ and that my walk with him is strong!

WRONG!!!!                                     WRONG!!!!!!                                      WRONG!!!!

I know that - I know works don't count any more - but I was caught by the question as to why I at times feel more confident than at other times, approaching the throne of grace........ why is it harder for me to stand before Him when I've just 'fallen'. It's not like he changed is it? It's me and how I see myself that either makes me approach him haltingly, or me to run freely before him.

The writer has just described how Jesus suffered as he was tempted in every way as we are and now has passed through the heavens and is our high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses -
let us then....

This all about receiving grace and mercy in time of need

                                            - when is our time of need ?

Yes, when we have failed, fallen, and are hurt and disappointed in what we said/did or should/should not have  -when confidence in myself shattered.

                                              THAT is what this verse is all about!.

 Because we have a Lord who knows what that is all about he is not holding up a pointy finger or waiting to put shame/blame on us - he is there to extend grace and mercy and there we find healing and renewal.

 Draw near with confidence in Him and who he is.

-b