Too afraid!

Not worthy, too sinful, you don't know my thoughts worst you don't know what i have done!  These are the thoughts that run into the mind of many that feel unworthy to accept the love that God has to show them.  Many feel too unworthy to accept the the mercy that God has to grant them.  We build this imagine of a harsh unforgiving God that couldn't possibly overlook our mistakes and sins.  Reality is He doesn't overlook our sins but He is willing to forgive them if we are willing to accept His mercy. 
I was reading a passage about a great mighty prophet of God called Elijah.  God choose him to fulfill the daunting task of rising up against the most cruel and evil queen of that time.  When he had heard that this queen was seeking to kill him, Elijah fled into the wilderness and laid there hoping for God to take his life.  All because he was too afraid.  
 "The Lord said, go out and stand  on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.  Then a great and powerful wind broke the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.  Then the voice said to him, what are you doing here Elijah?"  1 Kings 19:11-13
What reaction would you have had if you saw a powerful wind, an earthquake and fire?  I would definitely be hiding under a rock if i could.  I'm sure Elijah was scared because he hid his face.  God may show us His mighty power but He is gentle.  He comes to us in a gentle whisper to bring comfort.  He knew Elijah was scared and needed encouragement and after showing him His might He showed him His gentleness.
Don't be afraid to accept the mercy of God because you think that He is harsh and mean and that He sits around plotting different ways to punish you for your sins.  God makes it very clear that we choose our path in life.  If we sin we will reap the rewards of our sins.  Not because He wants to punish us but because we had the free will to choose the path of sin.  If we obey His commandments we will reap the rewards of that obedience. 
Don't misunderstand that He is indeed a God of justice and therefore can't allow for someone who is guilty to reap the benefits of those who are obedient.  But most IMPORTANTLY He is a God of mercy and He is gentle and caring.  He isn't in the things that frighten you but He is in the comfort that relieves your heavy burdens.  Seek Him and you will find a gentle voice that will comfort your soul and bring peace to your burdened mind.