Who Am I? I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ

Hebrews 4:14-16

I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

¹⁴Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,^{a]" class="footnote">[a]" class="footnote">aa]" class="footnote">]} Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. ¹⁶Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I grew up in the Catholic church, and was as devout as a child could be.  My parents were not very devout, but made me attend Catholic school, even though my siblings did not.  I came to believe that I had to attend the church, and speak to the priests, or receive communion, to have access to the Lord.  My perception was that there was either some real or imagined wall between God and me.  

After coming to the Lord through a friend in high school, it took me years to fully comprehend the meaning of this Truth.  I also had no clue that the Lord understood my temptations, and was empathetic.  I always believed God to be cold, and impersonal.  Now, I see things in a wholly different way.  God understands and has compassion.  He also is right there, just as the father in the Prodigal son was....with His arms around me, receiving me personally.

Trish, How true this is. Sometimes I get so caught up in what I believe God wants me to do, that I forget to sit at His feet and allow His grace to cover me. I always have direct access to Him. Thanks for sharing that I needed it today. God Bless. How is your toe?

In Christ
karyn

Hi, Trish.
There is such a difference between ritual and relationship, for sure. I'm so thankful that you came to relationship! :)
When I consider that I, an imperfect believer can stand in the very presence of Almighty God through prayer, it amazes me every time!
Look where we've gone, because of Jesus! From access only through a priest once a year, who went into The Holy of Holies, to immediate, ongoing access (anytime, anywhere) all because the moment Jesus said, "It is finished," the "veil in the temple was torn in two"!  Amazing Grace!
Blessings,
Mary