Our kids wore a path around the house when they were young.

Sometimes they were just playing in the yard. Sometimes Gwen sent them outside to burn off energy with, “Go run around the house five times.” Sometimes there were competitions as to who could be the fastest. Regardless, this path was present because of the pounding of little feet.

This path became a place where the grass could no longer grow.

I think that is great imagery for us as we think about the throne room of heaven.

I doubt there is grass around the throne. There is probably marble or perhaps an exotic hardwood. Maybe the floor is made of jewels or even gold.

I want us to think about the flooring around the throne so that I can ask a question. Whatever the flooring, have you worn a path to the throne of grace? God’s Word says this…

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

We are exhorted to come boldly before Jesus. Coming boldly means we can run right up to the throne and ask directly for what we need. Jesus promises mercy and grace to help in our moment of need. The Message paraphrases it, “Take the mercy, accept the help.” I like that.

A friend recently gave me this quote from Adrian Rogers, an insightful preacher who went to be with the Lord about two decades ago:

“The greatest problem we face is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer.”

Sadly, we do not practice prayer as much as we talk about prayer. We do not plead with God in the way He invites. We talk about our issues to others but forget to talk to God.

Yet God has put out the welcome mat throughout Scripture. Here are just two examples:

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”                                                                         The Lord, Jeremiah 33:3

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”                                                                                        Jesus, Matthew 7:7

What is it about us as human beings that we must be reminded again and again to take advantage of God’s resources freely offered? Not talking to God in prayer is like standing knee-deep in a river dying of thirst.

I challenge you to wear out your own path to the throne of grace. Go again and again to receive His grace and mercy in your moment of need.

Love and blessings,
Dave