PRESENCE
(DAY 2 of 7) Makayla Sullivan
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” — Hebrews 10:19-22 NIV
Think
If we’re honest, most of us know what it’s like to carry shame. Maybe it’s from something in our past or even something we’re battling right now. Shame whispers that we’re unworthy, that God doesn’t want us near, and that we’ll never measure up. And often, those lies keep us from running to God at the very moment we need Him most. They push us into isolation, where we internalize our burdens and keep them hidden in the dark.
So, we show up to church but hold back in worship. We hesitate to ask for prayer. Even our quiet time with God, if we make space for it, can feel surface-level or lacking vulnerability and intimacy. Yet deep down, our hearts are crying out for freedom from the heavy weight of guilt and shame. Maybe you’ve believed the lie that you can’t be in communion with a holy God because you are too far gone.
But Hebrews 10 tells us the opposite. Our access to God’s presence has never depended on our own worthiness: it depends entirely on Jesus’ blood. The curtain that once separated us from God’s presence has been torn in two. Jesus Himself is our way in.
We don’t have to stay at a distance. We don’t have to hide. Because of Jesus, we can come confidently—not because we’re flawless, but because He is. He has washed us clean, given us a new identity, and calls us beloved sons and daughters who are always welcome in His presence.
So, we show up to church but hold back in worship. We hesitate to ask for prayer. Even our quiet time with God, if we make space for it, can feel surface-level or lacking vulnerability and intimacy. Yet deep down, our hearts are crying out for freedom from the heavy weight of guilt and shame. Maybe you’ve believed the lie that you can’t be in communion with a holy God because you are too far gone.
But Hebrews 10 tells us the opposite. Our access to God’s presence has never depended on our own worthiness: it depends entirely on Jesus’ blood. The curtain that once separated us from God’s presence has been torn in two. Jesus Himself is our way in.
We don’t have to stay at a distance. We don’t have to hide. Because of Jesus, we can come confidently—not because we’re flawless, but because He is. He has washed us clean, given us a new identity, and calls us beloved sons and daughters who are always welcome in His presence.
Act
When shame says, “Stay away,” faith says, “Draw near.” Your failures don’t disqualify you from God’s presence—Jesus’ sacrifice qualifies you.
So today, invite His presence into the very places you feel unworthy. Let Him heal the parts of your heart still weighed down by guilt. He’s not pushing you away—He’s pulling you close. You no longer have to hide behind the curtain; Jesus has already torn it down. Walk in the freedom He’s provided, bringing your whole self—wounds, flaws, and all—into His presence.
So today, invite His presence into the very places you feel unworthy. Let Him heal the parts of your heart still weighed down by guilt. He’s not pushing you away—He’s pulling you close. You no longer have to hide behind the curtain; Jesus has already torn it down. Walk in the freedom He’s provided, bringing your whole self—wounds, flaws, and all—into His presence.
Pray
Jesus, I confess there are moments I feel unworthy of being near you. Shame tries to chain me to my past and convince me I don’t belong. But thank you that your blood has made me clean and Your cross has made me worthy. Help me to step boldly into your presence—not in my strength, but in your finished work. Heal the places in me still carrying guilt, and teach me to live free in your love. Amen.
Worship
Spend some time worshiping the Lord.
Come back tomorrow for day 16!