Deuteronomy 29:10-12
“You stand today, all of you, before the LORD your God…your little ones, your wives…that you may enter into the covenant with the LORD your God, and into His oath which the LORD your God is making with you today”
It sounds like a scary prospect to stand before God. When I attempt to picture it, the scene feels very exposed. As if being focused upon at an uncomfortable level. My response feels like a recoil, like a turtle withdrawing into it’s shell. It’s as if I’m attempting to look directly at the sun.
I believe my response is due to sin, shame and harsh treatment. Ezra 9:6 says, ‘and I said, “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens.”‘ We have done plenty that is wrong. Without Christ, we are guilty.
Even though we may have been forgiven, we often don’t forgive ourselves. 1 John 3:20 says, “If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things.” Our hearts often didn’t get the memo that we’ve been forgiven.
Some of us have been overly stern with ourselves for so long that it’s a constant reflex. This may have come from trauma, a harsh parent or more. 1 John 2:12 says, “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” While we will always need forgiveness, the childhood in the faith is a time of experiencing God’s forgiveness. Even when we are more mature in Christ, we may have some childish areas that require forgiveness. There may be painful areas that we block off. God wants to visit all those areas to touch with His grace.
While standing before The Lord sounds scary, He wants us to rest in His presence. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That isn’t the voice of criticism.
Lord, help us to know Your forgiveness and grow comfortable in Your presence.