Hebrews 4:16 – “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.”— (NIV)
We’ve all had moments we wish we could erase: words we shouldn’t have spoken, choices we regret, thoughts we never imagined we’d entertain. We’ve stumbled, fallen, and found ourselves at the end of our strength. And deep down, we know it: we fall short.
This isn’t just a vague sense of guilt—it’s the human condition. There’s something within us that instinctively recognizes when we’ve drifted from what’s right. It’s that quiet voice inside that whispers, “You weren’t made for this.”
But what do we do with that? How do we move forward when we feel overwhelmed by our failures or weighed down by shame?
THE GAP HAS BEEN CLOSED
If we’re honest, the idea of approaching God (especially after we’ve messed up) can feel intimidating. Why would a perfect, holy God want anything to do with us after everything we’ve done?
However, the beauty of the gospel is that Jesus has already bridged the gap.
He didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up or try harder to be “good.” He stepped into our brokenness, lived the life we couldn’t live, and willingly bore the weight of everything that should’ve separated us from God. His death wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of something entirely new: an open door into the presence of God.
Through His resurrection, Jesus declared once and for all that shame doesn’t get the final word. Now, we don’t come to God as outsiders – we come as sons and daughters, fully seen, fully known, and fully welcomed.
THE THRONE WE’RE INVITED TO
Hebrews doesn’t describe God’s presence as a throne of judgment. It calls it a throne of grace.
Grace is undeserved kindness. It’s unearned favor. It’s the opposite of what we often expect from a God we’ve let down.
But grace is also powerful. It’s not just a pat on the back or a second chance. It’s the empowering presence of God that lifts us up, restores our hearts, and gives us strength for whatever lies ahead. And when we come to that throne, honestly, humbly, just as we are, we find mercy for our past and help for our present.
This isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime invitation. It’s a daily one. Every time we feel the sting of regret or the pull of shame, we can return. Every time we’re tired, anxious, tempted, or hurting, we can draw near. The door is always open, and God is always ready to meet us there.
COMING BOLDLY, NOT HESITANTLY
The word “confidence” in Hebrews 4:16 is striking. It doesn’t say we sneak into God’s presence, hoping not to be noticed. It says we can approach boldly—not because of our goodness, but because of His.
This kind of confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s the quiet assurance that we’re loved. That God delights in us. That he’s not shocked by our weakness or disappointed by our humanity. He knows exactly what we need—and He longs to give it.
WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY
Sometimes, approaching God can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re hurting or uncertain. But here’s the comfort: you don’t have to have the right words. You don’t even need to know what to pray. Just come.
Come with your questions.
Come with your silence.
Come with your pain, your mess, your honest heart.
And in that place, you’ll find grace.
You’ll find peace that quiets the chaos.
You’ll find mercy that doesn’t run out.
And you’ll find a Savior who never turns away.
THE INVITATION STANDS
Whatever you’re carrying today—regret, fear, shame, weakness—know this: you are not disqualified. You are not too far gone. And you are not alone.
There is a throne of grace waiting for you.
Step into it boldly.
Because that’s where healing begins.
That’s where mercy meets you.
And that’s where love never lets go.
Amen
