“For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14, New King James Version).
My friend trusted me with her secret. Because of a family emergency, she left town suddenly. In her rush, she needed someone to pack her apartment so her things could be shipped. She had already enlisted a male friend to help with the furniture, but my job was different. I was to box up her closet and more specifically—her shoes. Her many, many pairs of shoes. Some still lay in the original boxes, never worn. A female friend (especially one who also liked shoes) would understand this mad passion and not reveal just how many boxes were in that closet.
Another friend admitted to hiding new clothes in the back of her closet, tags still dangling. Her rationale was if she let them hang there for a month or two or three, she could truthfully tell her husband she’d “owned” that outfit for quite a while. (Definitely a bit of subterfuge on this one.) If you’re smiling as you read this, you may just love pretty shoes and clothes too.
Both friends told me their secrets because they knew I wouldn’t judge them harshly for their weaknesses. They didn’t need to feel embarrassed to tell me about their shopping obsession. It’s so good when friends understand us and love us. It doesn’t mean we are perfect. Far from it. But they love us and offer us mercy. The same is true with the Lord. As our Creator, He understands our human frailties. He can empathize because He wrapped Himself in flesh and came to earth as one of us. He lived as we live, felt the same emotions, and endured the same temptations we face.
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16-16, New Living Translation).
When we fail, and we will, we don’t need to fear. We can come boldly to the throne of God and receive His mercy. He remembers we are made of dust. He forgives and restores.
Prayer: Thank You so much, Lord, that I can come to You in my time of need. You also walked this earth and understand my weaknesses. I can come to You without fear, seeking Your forgiveness and Your strength. You will help me overcome.
