“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.” (Hebrews 4:16)
We all start life separated from God. We don’t know Him personally, and we’re raised to go our own way trying to get what we want and do what seems right to us. This is at odds with God’s way, by a little or by a whole lot. Then we find out God is inviting us into a relationship with Him. Rather than striving for what we think is good enough, He invites us to live according to His good way and to trust that He is enough. We can enter this type of relationship with God by believing the Gospel – the news about this good God and His good way.
Jesus lived like us, so He knows how very hard it can be. He knows that even when we do want to live like Him, we might stumble or even run away for a while. As the Holy Spirit knows the genuineness of our intentions, so Jesus intercedes on our behalf and makes up the difference in what the Father requires. Jesus showed us that it is possible for human beings to love God and live according to His ways despite the temptations of other philosophies and cravings, the distractions of entertainment and safety, and the weaknesses of body and mind.
We could start this type of relationship with God at any point. If we say we believe but put off committing, do we really believe and value the Gospel message? It is important to seriously consider God’s invitation, genuinely question our previous understanding, and work through hurt by other Christians. But if we still drag our feet, we can miss out on that type of relationship, whether by early death or perpetual distraction.
You are hearing the good news now. The Holy Spirit is communicating to you through Holy Scripture, through this humble blog, and directly. Unlike Santa Clause, He actually knows what you’re thinking, feeling, ignoring, questioning, assessing, grieving, celebrating, or not even consciously realizing. He knows the good, the bad, and the ugly inside you. God’s response is not scorn and fury; you’re His child who He loves and misses.
Don’t let embarrassment, regret, shame, anxiety, or anything else hold you back from believing the Gospel message. Believe that God will gladly go deeper in a relationship with you. Make a decision now. Of course, learning and applying and maturing happens over a lifetime. But make your decision now.