Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. - Esther 4:10-11

Queen Esther was in a predicament, to be sure.  Her people were being gathered together for slaughter like animals.  They needed her help.  Surely as the queen, she could convince King Ahaseurus to stop the assault on the Jews.  But there was a law that nearly prevented her from doing that very thing.  The law stated that no one (not even the queen) could come into the king's presence without permission.  In other words, if you weren't summoned, you didn't go for fear of death.

Esther knew she couldn't help her people if she died, but what good would it do the Jews for her to sit back and watch what was happening.  She had to act.  So, she took up her courage, and with much prayer, she entered into the king's presence.  Fortunately, the king allowed her intrusion, and not only was Esther's life spared but that of her people as well.

As I read through this account again yesterday, I was struck by a comforting thought--I'm always welcome in the presence of my King, and so are you!  We do not have to obtain special permission to seek His face or His help.  On the contrary, we are invited to come boldly, to enter into His presence, not with fear and trepidation, but with praise and thanksgiving.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. - Psalm 100:4

I don't know about you, but this blesses my soul.  Whatever I need.  Whenever I need it.  If I have a desire, or if I simply want to chat.  The King is always available to me.  He is never too busy.  He doesn't consider Himself too important to be bothered by my petty problems.  No, if it's important to me, it's important to Him.  He wants to help.  He longs to talk and to listen.  And, as difficult as it is to grasp, He wants to simply be near me.  Wow!

Perhaps you have a need today, but you're afraid to bring it before the Lord because you've already asked for so much.  Or maybe you're feeling alone today, and you long for someone to talk to.  Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, and you simply need to hear that reassuring still, small voice.  Whatever the need, whatever the reason, you are invited to go boldly into the presence of the Lord.  Not with arrogance or a cocky attitude, but with confidence, knowing that you are always welcome in His presence.  He wants to visit with you, so what are you waiting for?

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