The Approachable God
Heb. 4:14-16
Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].
In Jn. 10:10 Jesus contrasts himself to a thief. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy while Jesus' purpose is to give you abundant life—overflowing; having more than enough. He is positioned in the place of highest authority in the spiritual realm. There is no higher hope in earth or heaven. All that is needed to obtain the abundance He purchased for you is to completely agree through this revelation of truth.
Many have more faith in the devil than in Jesus. They give him credit for all manner of their own mistakes and willfulness thereby giving more praise to the devil (who was completely defeated by Jesus). Along with that they look to the promises of God with skepticism and if they don't get immediate results they doubt his integrity to do the very thing they declare he is able to do. Who is the greater one: Jesus or Satan?
The root of the problem is that your mind is programmed to believe in the demonic and things of this world while trust in the Lord is born in your spirit by the Holy Spirit. Both are available, but where is your focus? Your phone, tv, worldly chatter, etc. cause carnal reasoning to rule you and give opportunity for theft. Then, when you're challenged, you look for a quick way out. You don't have to live like a monk to love the Lord and to put your trust in him, but to have 'confidence without fear. . . and find grace to help in time of need' requires relationship.
When you have a need you don't turn to a casual relationship for a loan, advice or other solutions. You call on a close friend and if you don't get what you need immediately you don't assume they've written you off or don't care. You expect to get help. “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin” (Prov. 18:24 NRSV). “Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for” (1John 5:14-15.
When you have a need you don't turn to a casual relationship for a loan, advice or other solutions. You call on a close friend and if you don't get what you need immediately you don't assume they've written you off or don't care. You expect to get help. “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin” (Prov. 18:24 NRSV). “Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for” (1John 5:14-15.)
