Een in our permissive and casual world, there are strict protocols for conduct when one meets Queen Elizabeth, the Queen of England. British subjects are expected to bow, or curtsy, as the Queen approaches. One is never to initiate physical contact, a kiss, hug, or even a vigorous handshake. Only if the Queen extends her hand may a subject gently place their hand in her hand. She is also to be addressed as “Your Majesty;” and she is never to be engaged in long dialogue unless the Queen prompts the conversation.

In biblical days, being in the presence of a king was far more restrictive and fearful. When Nehemiah was a servant to King Artaxerxes, and sorrowful after hearing that Jerusalem had been destroyed, the king noticed and enquired why he was sad. Nehemiah wrote, “Then I was very sore afraid” (Nehemiah 2:2). Subjects were expected to be perfectly content in the presence of their Persian king. To do otherwise could be fatal. Similarly, Queen Esther knew, as did all in the realm of the King of Babylon, that if one entered the presence of the king without being summoned, the law of the land required an immediate death sentence, unless the king held out his scepter to extend mercy (Esther 4:11). Thankfully, the King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, and God the Father, rule over their subjects today far differently than ancient human kings. Love and grace are the standard of God. The Apostle Paul described it this way: “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him (Ephesians 3:12). Believers do not have to wait to be summoned into the presence of God. We are free to “…come boldly unto the throne of grace (at any time), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Believers today do not have to fear wrath, nor retribution, when we enter the presence of God in prayer. We are to come with boldness and confidence, knowing we have been both invited and instructed to do so. The basis of our confidence is solely in the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, welcomes us to come to Him continually with unfettered access.

Every believer should be extremely thankful for this kind of liberty and use it continuously. Thank God today for His loving availability, and go to Him frequently for sweet communion. He’s waiting for you.