There are times in our lives when we may feel down and discouraged. We may feel that no one understands what we’re going through. There is One who not only knows what we’re going through, but He cares. Jesus understands and He is our very present help in time of trouble:

For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)

The word tempted denotes a test, trial, or temptation. Jesus is able to come to our aid in any situation. There is no problem that you’re facing that’s too big for Jesus. The word able is in the present tense indicating that Jesus is continually able to help those who are undergoing a difficult time. Later in this letter, the author reveals that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses:

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

The word sympathize literally means to suffer with another. This word pictures an intimate understanding of the feelings of another person. In light of such truth, we see that our response is to come to Him:

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. (Hebrews 4:16)

When we believe that God truly understands what we’re going through, we desire to come to Him. The word approach, is in the present tense which implies a continual act of drawing near to God. We do not need to be ashamed, but we are to come with boldness.

The term throne of grace represents the person of God. The result is that we may receive mercy and find grace. Mercy is God’s solution to man’s suffering and grace is God’s favor to the undeserving. Mercy withholds what we do deserve, whereas grace gives us what we don’t deserve.

God’s mercy and grace provide the help you need, when you need it. The same word for help was used by Luke in describing the procedure of passing ropes under the ship to hold it together in a storm:

After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and let themselves be driven along in this way. (Acts 27:17)

Just as a ship is supported from the severe pounding of wind and sea, so too Jesus supports us in the storms of life. What is a situation you’re facing in which you need His help? We can come to Him with confidence for we have the Spirit within us, the Savior above us, and God’s word before us. Come to Him – He’s waiting for you.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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