Day 7: Confidence Through Confession

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." -Hebrews 4:16 

When faced with the weight of our own failures, sins, and weaknesses, it seems there are two choices–either confess and reap external consequences or refrain from honesty and reap internal consequences. The cost of keeping these things secret seems far less in comparison to the process of confession. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

I resonate with the decision to withhold delicate information about oneself. There is fear in how others will react, if not the outright expectation of judgment. Some of this is projected by fear, but others have had very negative experiences in how honesty was received by another person: disgust, outrage, condemnation, and many more unfortunate reactions are what many of us have experienced and have come to expect from being honest with others about ourselves. It’s no wonder many of us opt for keeping things secret. But as time has gone on, I have come to see very clearly that the greater consequence is the internal one. 

Keeping things secret wreaks havoc on the whole person: body, mind, emotions, and spirit. We all know of the rise of depression and anxiety in our society, which is a huge cause for concern. Mental health diagnoses in general are skyrocketing, with more and more people describing themselves as having “imposter syndrome,” characterized by intense self-doubt even in the midst of accomplishments and accolades. These people know deeply in themselves that they are not “good enough,” and it is debilitating. It is clear that many people in our society are burdened by shame with no knowledge that there is a solution. We, as Christ-followers, possess it. The issue, in short, is unrepentance. The solution is assurance in Christ. 

Hebrews 4 provides much solace for believers in the midst of a world wracked with guilt and shame that remains unresolved. Hebrews 4:16 specifically tells us to draw near “with confidence.” Confidence is a simple concept, but it is much more nuanced when thinking of how to explain it. Confidence implies safety and security–one only has confidence in something that feels sure. The Greek word translated as “confidence” here is defined as “frankness, bluntness; by implication, assurance.” This presents another layer entirely. The way in which believers are encouraged to approach God is defined by total honesty combined with a lack of doubt in the positive results. We are to speak plainly about our sins and weaknesses, but also be sure that we will receive “mercy and grace,” as opposed to the condemnation and judgment. How are we to do this?

Verses 14 and 15 help fully expound the meaning here. The confidence we have as believers–the ability to be completely honest before God and know we will receive mercy and grace–is fully rooted in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

When we approach the throne, we approach a God who fully sympathizes with our weaknesses! In contrast to what we expect to receive from other people (judgment, etc.), we receive full acceptance. It is the assurance of this acceptance that allows us to bare ourselves before the Godhead. And it is with this confidence that we walk as children of God–not ashamed of things left unsaid but fully free in Christ and empowered in the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

As much as this is taking us back to the basics of faith, it continues to be deeply relevant. The lack of repentance in our society is reaping tangible consequences among us. But praise God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that we can have full confidence before Him to truly confess our sins and not only receive mercy, grace, and acceptance, but also the righteousness of Christ and the power to walk in holiness! What a beautiful gift this confidence is, and oh, that many would come to receive this good news and approach the throne.

Prayer prompts:

1. Pray for personal conviction from the Holy Spirit. What weaknesses are you experiencing right now that need to be confessed before God?

2. Take time to worship, thank, and praise God for what he has done in Christ. Receive grace, mercy, and confidence!

3. Ask the Lord to bring to mind someone who may be weighed down by shame, who isn’t exercising full access to God’s presence. Pray for them, and consider reaching out to them to encourage them with the Good News that they can receive mercy and grace.

4. Pray for widespread national conviction of sin, so that many would confess frankly to the Father, that His Spirit might be poured out in great measure among us.

In Christ, 

Sadie Sasser 

Women’s Ministry Fellow, CU Gloria at Harvard