When you were a kid in school, did you ever get called into the principal's office? That walk down the hall seemed endless as you dwelled on facing the "wrath" of the principal.
My friend told me that one time she got called to the office to receive a reward, but she didn't know it. She was terrified that she would be accused of doing something wrong even though she knew she hadn't. So often, people view God like they view the principal's office. They are always on guard wondering if they are going to be reprimanded for something.
In Hebrews 4:16, the scripture tells us "to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy." That means that when we go to God, we can approach Him with confidence. He doesn't call us to Himself to punish us; He calls us to Himself because He loves us. He wants to heal and restore us. When we come into His presence, we are coming to a place of grace and forgiveness.
The grace God has for us can't be earned; it must be received as a gift. We must open our hearts humbly before Him. When we do, we receive His empowerment, we receive His blessing, and we receive peace that comes from a close, personal relationship with the Father.
Today, if you've viewed God through eyes of fear and intimidation, let all of that go. God's not mad at you; He's madly in love with you! He doesn't accuse or condemn you. He loves you and longs to show Himself strong on your behalf.
Come into His presence with thanksgiving in your heart. Enter His courts with praise. Receive the strength that you need, receive mercy and receive grace knowing that He loves you with an everlasting love!
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV)