Mercy. Grace. Help.

 

 
veritas keyFor we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, 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
 
Hebrews is my favorite book. It details the tremendous things we have, how much better it is with Christ.
 
A High Priest. Access. Mercy. Grace. Help.
 
Jesus Christ ushers us before the throne of God and makes sure we are treated with kindness (undeserved, but poured on us anyway).
 
And we can enter boldly and ask, confident that we will receive.
 
Mercy. Grace. Help.

Psalm 94:19

 

handsIn the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NKJV)
 
 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. (NAS)
 
When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (NLT)
 
When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up. (MSG)
 
When I worried about many things, Your assuring words soothed my soul. (GW)
 
And when I was burdened with worries, You comforted me and made me feel secure. (CEV)
 
 
No matter how you say it …

Accepted

 

typewritten accepted"to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6
 
Accepted.
 
From the Greek, God "graced" us. He poured it out on us.
 
That act bestowed high honor and great favor on us.
 
We don't have to earn it.
 
We don't have to perform to maintain it. 
 
It is grace.
 
And we are accepted.

Opportunities of Weakness

 

perfectAnd He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
 
I love this. 
 
"My grace" - It's Christ's and He can dispense it as He chooses and He chooses to give it to me.
 
It gets better.
 
"Sufficient" – Enough to meet my needs
 
"Made Perfect" – That's the same Greek word Jesus used on the cross when He cried out, "It is finished!" 
 
The fullness, the completion, the totality of His grace and strength is best revealed in my weakness.
 
My weaknesses, failures, distresses are all redeemed and turned to opportunities because of His grace.

 

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Perplexed, But Not in Despair

 

"[W]e are perplexed, but not in despair."  2 Corinthians 4:8 (NKJV) 
 
Perplexed. Not like with algebra homework or programming your television.
 
The Greek points to being confused, frustrated, unable to find a way out, filled with uncertainty or indecisiveness.
 
Been there? I have. 
 
But there's hope. Not despair. Hope.
 
Despair gives up. It folds. 
 
Hope waits to see what happens next.
 
Hope may not know what or how or when,
 
But it knows God.