The Open Space of Grace
- Grace Church
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Based on Doug M. Gehm's sermon, April 19, 2026
We often find ourselves living in the narrow margins of life, where the walls feel like they are closing in and our breath comes in shallow, hurried gasps. This sensation of being trapped—whether by a sudden shift in our family dynamics, a financial hurdle, or the weight of others' expectations—is a universal human experience often described as distress. In these moments, our natural instinct is to scramble for an exit or to demand that the world fix itself so we can finally relax. However, there is a profound difference between the temporary relief of a problem being solved and the enduring peace of a soul that has found its footing in the divine. This deeper peace is not a light switch we can simply flip on our own; it is a gift that flows from recognizing that we are not navigating the tight corners of life in isolation.
To move from a place of being crushed to a place of open space, we must first settle the question of our own standing. We often hesitate to reach out for help because a quiet, accusing voice in the back of our minds whispers that we brought this distress upon ourselves or that we haven’t done enough to deserve a rescue. Yet, the foundation of spiritual peace is the realization that we don’t approach the Creator based on our own flawless performance. As we see in Hebrews 4:16, we are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to find help in our time of need, not because we have earned it, but because grace is, by definition, unmerited. When we stop trying to prove our worthiness and instead lean into the faithfulness of the One who has been steady through generations, the pressure begins to lift.
There is a unique kind of quietness that comes when we acknowledge that our lives are not our own to manage. When we realize we belong to a larger story—one written by a steady Hand—we can stop trying to figure out the ending before the middle has even passed. This sense of belonging takes the weight off our shoulders and places it where it belongs. It allows us to be still even when we are angry or afraid, choosing to "ponder in our own hearts" as suggested in the ancient psalms rather than reacting impulsively to the stressors around us. In this stillness, we find that God is not standing with crossed arms waiting for us to get our act together; rather, He is standing with open arms, ready to step into the distress with us.
Ultimately, this path leads to a joy that is entirely independent of our external harvest. Many people spend their lives chasing "grain and wine"—the material successes and perfect conditions they believe will finally bring them happiness—only to find that such peace is fragile and fleeting. True safety is found in the "You alone" of faith, where we can lie down and sleep regardless of whether the storm has passed or is still raging outside our window. As Jesus promised in John 16:33, in this world we will have tribulation, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world. When our internal world is anchored in that victory, we dwell in a safety that no circumstance can take away.
