"Near the Throne"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

"Near the Throne"

     Some challenges in life keep us coming to the Lord as tempting thoughts, feelings, and circumstances present themselves to our hearts and minds.

   "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

   The verb tense of the original Greek suggests an ongoing approach to the Throne of grace, as necessary.  This contrasts with those who propose that if we really trust the Lord about a matter, we will leave it with Him to the degree we won't require further prayers and affirmations of trusting Him.  While it is true we can pray about challenges without actually trusting the Lord, it is not at all the case that one visit to the Throne always suffices in maintaining the peace of our hearts.  We live in a world of "many adversaries" allowed by God to challenge our confidence in His promised presence and working (I Corinthians 16:9).  Like the pagan kings who remained in the Promised Land as opportunities for Israel to avail themselves of their Lord's enabling to overcome, our Heavenly Father allows some challenges to badger us for the purpose of keeping us very consciously near the Throne.  "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Psalm 56:3).

  The times when we must make frequent approaches to the Lord for the maintenance of tranquility are difficult.  In real terms, however, such seasons are gifts of God that provide opportunity for conscious realization of the Life of our lives.  "I'm back again, Lord!"  Anything that keeps us near the Throne is a good thing, and one that motivates keen awareness of God's presence and promises, along with keen awareness of our need for Him.  Such challenge is not easy, but it is necessary as we all require difficulties as a means of eliciting growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.  "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).  The path to the Throne was paved by our Lord's tribulations, which assures us that our Heavenly Father desires us to come as often as necessary.  We honor Him thereby, bearing witness to His faithfulness and love for those who seek Him with trusting hearts.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee."

(Isaiah 26:3)

Weekly Memory Verse

   Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."

(Hebrews 7:25)