Draw Near

Scripture
Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”

Devotional
Some Sundays you arrive at church feeling spiritually strong.
Other Sundays you don't.

You may come distracted, discouraged, convicted, exhausted, or spiritually dry. You may even arrive thinking, I really don't feel like being here today.

But notice what Hebrews doesn't say. It doesn't say, “Draw near when you've had a good week.” It says we can draw near because Jesus has opened the way.

Our confidence before God does not rest upon how well we performed this week. It rests upon the finished work of Christ.

Jesus offered Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. His blood cleanses us, and through Him we have access to the Father. Therefore, gathering with God's people is not a weekly meeting of people who have successfully gotten their spiritual lives together.
It is a gathering of sinners whose only hope is Jesus Christ.

That is what makes gathering a habit of grace. We come together to hear God's Word, pray, sing, fellowship, and receive the ordinary means God uses to strengthen His children.
So when you feel weak, don't conclude that you need to get yourself together before drawing near.

Draw near because Christ has opened the way.

Reflection
When I feel spiritually weak or discouraged, am I tempted to withdraw from God and His people rather than draw near?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that my access to God does not depend upon my performance but upon Your blood and righteousness. When I am discouraged or ashamed, remind me that You have opened the way. Give me confidence to draw near to God and to gather with Your people. Amen.