Encouragement for Today 16 December 2021 | Message by TRACIE BRAYLOCK (Proverbs 31 Ministries)
Topic: Confidence Is Key
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Scripture: “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 (NIV)
Encouragement for Today 16 December 2021 Message
She was screaming behind the closed door.
My preschool-aged daughter had gotten upset, running into the bathroom and locking the door behind her. She was crying inconsolably while calling my name. And although she knew how to unlock and open the door, she didn’t.
I stood on the other side of the solid wood door, telling her I was there, asking her to open the door so I could help. Although she knew I was present, she had placed a barrier between herself and the help she wanted.
It wasn’t until she had completely worn herself out that she quieted enough to hear my voice asking her to open the door. And when she opened it, I was there to hold her and help her.
As it turned out, all she wanted was for me to sing her a song. A simple request that I fulfilled. A desire that could’ve been met sooner if only she had confidently expressed what she wanted instead of locking herself inside the bathroom.
My friend, are you worn out yet? Tired of hiding yourself, and your needs, from God?
Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, “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.”
You see, you can’t heal or get the help you’re longing for if you’re hiding. And not asking for the help you need can lead to unnecessary anger, frustration, weariness and resentment when the help doesn’t come.
So whether you’re dealing with a devastating loss, discouraging conversation, disappointing diagnosis or difficult decision — or if you simply want to delight in God’s presence — He will join you on your journey, pouring out His grace and mercy when you confidently ask for what you need.
Oh, how I wish my little one would’ve simply asked me for what she wanted instead of becoming upset and isolating herself from me. And I believe God feels the same way about His children.
Don’t waste another minute missing out on everything God is standing at the ready to do for you if you confidently present your needs to Him.
Believe that your requests, big or small, are significant to God and that He’s more than prepared to meet them. God may not give us everything we think we want, but He always gives us what He knows we need. It’s time to open the door, my friend. God is ready to hold you and help you.
Lord, thank You for being an approachable God that we may bring all of our wants and needs before You. Forgive us for our timidity and for the time wasted struggling on our own. Give us the boldness to confidently bring everything to You, to make our requests known and to be the recipients of Your grace and mercy in our times of need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Ephesians 3:12, “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (NIV)
Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV)
Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV)
Are there areas of your life in which timidity and closed doors are keeping you from seeking God? What would you like to confidently ask God for? Share it with us in the comments!
© 2021 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
