Lenten Devotion – God Is Near To Us
Day 17, 4 March 2024
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
In a world that seems to be filled with constant suffering, difficulties…we may sometimes fall into a spiral of catastrophizing, doomsday thinking. It may all seem futile to do or think otherwise. And we’d rather to hide away and give up.
The author of Hebrews was in fact speaking to believers, like us, who may be tempted to give up because of the difficulties we face for following Jesus, for our beliefs.
But we do not have a God who sits ‘up there’ detached and far removed from us. No, in fact verse 15 tells us that we have a high priest who sympathises with our every weakness, who was tempted as just we are. God knows our struggles intimately. And yet was without sin – He can do what we cannot, He give us the help we need.
Because of that, we can be confident in His sovereignty and provision. We can have hope. We can find grace and mercy in His presence.
My close friends would know what a “spiral-er” I can be when tough times hit. It almost seems way easier to spiral into a puddle of gloom and pity, and allow thoughts of ‘unworthiness’ to creep in.
But in God we are made whole. We don’t need to run or hide away from our worries and troubles. Instead, we can boldly and confidently run to His throne of grace and mercy, into His embrace.
Friends, let’s draw near to God today and find rest in His grace and mercy.
Tamlyn Tan