Paul tells us God adopted us simply because he loves us: “According to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:5-6).
You may say, “I know God’s Word says I’m accepted and I know Jesus gave me direct access to the throne of grace. But I’m too ashamed to draw near. I still struggle with powerful temptation and I still sin on occasion. The only prayer I can utter is, ‘God, help me.’”
Answer this simple question: Do you love Jesus? Are you his child? Is he your high priest who intercedes for you? If so, the Scripture says it doesn’t matter what you’ve done. You have the right to enter into his presence, to find all the mercy and grace you need. In fact, it’s at just such a time that he acts as your high priest.
“We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Christ is telling us, “I can discern your every thought, good or evil. I see every secret ambition, every secret lust and deed. Yet still I invite you to come boldly to my throne. I long to give you all the grace and mercy you so desperately need.”
Some Christians think their prayers won’t be accepted because they’ve neglected to pray for too long. For months, even years, God’s Spirit has urged them to come closer but they have built up a reservoir of guilt which made them neglect to pray.
“They go down again to the depths … Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm … Then they are glad” (Psalm 107:26- 30).
You can trust God to love, forgive and care for you even though you’ve neglected him. If you can forgive a loved one who has hurt you, how much more will our loving Savior forgive and bless you — his beloved child!