"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 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." (Heb.4:14-16)
How thankful I am today and everyday that we can daily, hourly, moment by moment, draw near to the throne of all thrones--the throne of all power, all majesty, all sovereignty, all wisdom, all awesomeness. Imagine the privilege, the wonder of that--that we, who are but little dust people, who fail and forget and falter again and again, can enter right into God's very throne room.! A place of such unfathomable holiness, greatness, and power...and yet we dare, indeed, we are exhorted time and again, to come to His throne.
Moreover, we're told to come to God's throne with confidence! The greek word for that is also translated "boldness" and "courage." If this wasn't in God's Word, I'd call that ridiculous presumption and prideful folly. But not according to God's Word--and the very words of the Lord trump any and all of our emotions, ideas, and inadequacies.
And what will we receive there? Well, here's another reason we can approach Him with confidence, not terror and dread. We need not expect stern lectures, dire warnings, expressions of great disappointment, nor harsh sentences of judgment. No, because of our Savior Jesus, He promises we will receive amazing grace, we will receive astounding mercy, and we will receive the supernatural help that only the Lord can give.
So here's the question: why aren't we going? Seriously, why are we not continually beating a path to that beautiful, wondrous, powerful throne of grace? What is preventing us? Busyness? Preoccupation? Doubt? Laziness? Forgetfulness?
Whatever reason we might ostensibly come up with--and I'm preaching to myself here!--there is NO REASON! The glorious throne of almighty God is open to us. It's a throne of unimaginable power and yet also a throne of unlimited grace, mercy, and help. And because we're told to come boldly, confidently, courageously, let's do it! (Again, I'm not just exhorting you, but I'm preaching to amnesiac me, myself, and I here too! Because no one needs this reminder worse than yours truly!)
In light of all that, I wanted to throw out one suggestion that has particular application in times of stress and worry. Hmm, Covid anyone? It's super easy, can be done anywhere, anytime, and has the ability to calm your racing heartbeat and your fretful mind. It's simply the process of breath prayers. Meaning: as you take deep breaths, you repeat a simple verse in your mind.
Here's one way to do it. As you take a deep breath in (for about the count of 3 or so), say in your mind the first half of the verse. Then, as you slowly exhale, you repeat in your mind the second half of the verse. For instance, slowly take a deep breath in as you say in your mind "When I am afraid" and then as you exhale slowly, you repeat "I put my trust in You." (Ps.56:3) Or a little longer one: inhale to "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you" and breath out to "He will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Ps.55:22) Or inhale to "The Lord is my shepherd" and exhale to "I shall not want." (Ps.23:1) Or one of my favorites: Inhale to "God is our refuge and strength" and exhale to "A very present help in trouble." (Ps.46:1)
You get the idea--pick a few verses that you love, write them down, and start praying them in and out, in and out, in and out with your breath. I've typically heard it suggested to do this about ten times in a row to allow your breath to slow your heart rate, and more importantly, to allow God's supernatural Word to transform your mind.
As Matthew Henry said so many years ago, "Days of trouble must be days of prayer." My hope is that this simple exercise will help us to avail ourselves of this priceless privilege and powerful weapon against anxiety and discouragement. Our God is only a breath away. Let's go to His throne with confidence and know He will give us His grace, mercy, and help.
To God be the glory.
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