I’m learning that when I go to the Lord about an issue, a need, a want etc. that I must come how the Lord’s says. First is my attitude and Hebrews 4 answers this:
“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]." [Hebrews 4:15-16]
There is something very comforting about talking with someone who understands what and why we are feeling and acting the way we are. There is also the feeling of freedom of expressing when we say things to complete strangers that we expect to never see again. One is comfort of understanding and the other an sense of freedom because they have no control over us. The big difference is that when we choose to approach the Lord we have One who has all the answers. We can approach without fear that we can't or shouldn't and realize that since the Lord has the answer(s) we will know what to do. I think that maybe forgiveness is the strongest reason.
I've always like the understanding that there is mercy and grace awaiting me when I act in confidence. How can I receive His mercy and grace if I have no confidence He will provide this. How many times does the Lord have to prove His faithfulness toward me for me to accept this. For me, 1 John 1:9 is a constant reminder of the truth of what Hebrews is telling me.
"If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. 10 If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us.
My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous..." [1 John 1:9-2:1]
Sins, mistakes, errors all need to be confessed so that they can't define us. If we hold on to that baggage, they will. All of that is a burden that we don't need to carry. Learn from - absolutely. We live in a fallen world, we have the stain of sin in our lives but with the Lord's help we will grow from these conditions and incidents. Never take your sins, mistakes, errors lightly... but don't let them control you either. Jesus tells us that He came to bring us life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10)
