15+ Ways Our Gracious God Safeguards Our Hearts

I sat in church last Sunday as a preacher brought us a message. He touched very briefly on James 1:5, almost a throwaway line and not the main idea, but it struck me particularly hard that day.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 1:5

As a mom, I tended to be a bit of a lecturer. I wanted my kids to understand what’s happening and come away with clear knowledge of what they’ve done wrong and how to fix it. But I’ve also been on the receiving end when someone continues to lecture even after I’ve come to them to apologize. It’s not fun, it doesn’t feel like they’ve forgiven me. It feels like they’re piling on.

God isn’t like that, and it’s something I’m just learning to truly understand.

Safeguarded

Eutychus, the young man who fell out of a window during one of Paul’s sermons, nearly died. He fell asleep – no one reprimanded him for losing his balance or falling asleep. No one told him to go and not come back until he could show some respect. No, they just brought him inside where Paul performed a miracle and brought him to life again. He wasn’t lectured afterwards. He was safeguarded.

Shepherds don’t break the leg of little lambs who wander. Shepherds safeguard the sheep. They find the lost ones and bring them in to the warmth of the fold again.

God isn’t like us. God is different.

Our Gracious God

It is only when I’m running from God that He asks things like, “How long will you flee?” and “Why are you acting this way?” Only when I am in rebellion does He stop and reprimand. Only when I refuse to see the light does He ask why I’m wandering in darkness. Only when I refuse to take refuge in Him does He tell me I’m being foolish.

When I’m uninspired, God is my inspiration.

When I’m in darkness, God is my light.

When I’m a sinner, God is my redemption.

When I’m paralyzed, He allows me to move.

When I’m deaf, He speaks to my heart.

When I’m blind, He offers light to my mind.

When I’m unjust, He shows me justice.

When I’m unmerciful, He grants mercy.

When I’m tired, He offers strength.

When I’m thoughtless, He offers wisdom.

When I’m unaware, He brings clarity.

When I have no where to go, He offers a refuge.

When I’m afraid, He offers security.

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The Comfort of God’s Grace

In all of this and more, when I finally turn to Him and accept what He offers, He does not upbraid. He does not offer a scolding when I turn to Him. He does not lecture me that I should have come earlier or that I clearly don’t yet understand that coming to Him should be my first reaction, not my last. He does not ask what took me so long or when will I stop hesitating. Once I’ve turned toward Him and accepted His choice for me in that moment, He offers only wide open arms and loving acceptance.

What a comfort to know that God offers us only love and acceptance once we turn to Him. Knowing this means we don’t need to dread that moment of repentance towards Him. We don’t need to fear acknowledging we did wrong. We don’t need to shy away from sharing our innermost fears and insecurities with Him.

What a comfort to know that God offers us only love and acceptance once we turn to Him. Click To Tweet

He is waiting without lecture to bring us into His presence.

Join the Conversation

How does God comfort you and give you grace?