Are you expecting good? – Friday, 10 November

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)
 
You will never be able to approach God boldly unless you know that He wants you to. This verse says to come boldly, expecting to receive mercy and grace. Expect to get what you don’t deserve (grace) and expect not get any of the punishment, criticism or judgement you do deserve (mercy). In other words: expect good things from God, even though you don’t deserve them.

Many people don’t have a boldness to even come to God, never mind come to Him and expect good things. Our view of God determines how we relate to Him. If you believe that He is angry with you, disappointed in you, or judging you, you probably won’t come to Him boldly. The truth is that He isn’t angry with you. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or what you haven’t done. You can come boldly!

“For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, So have I sworn That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.”
Isaiah 54:9 (NKJV)
 
Religion has painted a picture of an angry, critical God that points out your faults and tells you to do better. Most of us don’t enjoy being around people who are angry and always pointing out our faults; we don’t come boldly to them expecting good things. When we see God for who He really is, we will be confident in our relationship with Him.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s… The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy… He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:2-5, 8, 10-12 (NKJV)
 
A lot of people think God has a short temper and is ready to punish us as soon as we step out of line. And yet Scripture says that He is slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He doesn’t deal with or punish us according to our sins – He has forgiven us!

“I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people

guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.”
2 Corinthians 5:19 (ESV)
 
God isn’t holding your sin, your failures or your mistakes against you, so why do you approach Him as if He does? God is at peace with mankind – and you – because of Jesus.

 “…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”
Daniel 11:32b (NKJV)

“Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (TLB)
 
You will only ever be secure as an individual (be bold and strong) and do great things with God when you know His true nature – that He is love (1 John 4:8) and He is for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). You will only ever be truly strong and confident when you know God as the loving, gracious and merciful God He truly is.