- 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
- Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God. ... This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. -1 John 3:21, 5:14
The Greek word translated confidence in these verses is parrésia - a word that that seems to describe a bold freedom. So interesting how this word is used in connection to prayer. While other religious folks seem to cower before God these scriptures instruct us to come with freedom and boldness. It speaks to me about how God is our heavenly Father.
It also teaches me that God is more approachable than our earthly fathers. We are free before Him to speak from our hearts with no fear of retribution. His grace emboldens us to pray as ones who have had condemnation driven from our hearts. Confidence rises up in us as we embrace the heavenly will. In tthe end we rejoice because we know he listens.
Boldly we come. Confidently we stand. You are our Father. We delight to do your will.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
may I always choose His will
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