He Knocks at the walls we have built.
I have fond memories of my daughter and niece when they were younger, asking me to construct them a fort. I would gather an old sheet and drape it through-out the kitchen. My husband and I would play along yelling through the pretend wall asking permission to enter. Looking back now, it gives me a chuckle knowing that they could see us yet wanted the feeling that they were separated from us. Little did I realize the very walls built to separate them would be a representation of how we, as adults, pretend we too have separated ourselves from others? What was an innocent game as a child can become a dangerous way of life.
Many of us have spent years constructing a handmade wall to protect our heart from hurt. Brick by brick, mortar after mortar, each one representing someone who has penetrated our hearts leaving a pain that feels as if the very beat your heart is taking will be your last. Out of protection, we started building. Now, we stand back, often proud of the handy work we have crafted, until we realize the very wall we constructed has not only kept others out but barricaded us in. Even worse, we have shut God out too. He is a gentleman. He stands at the door knocking, (Rev. 3:20) waiting, hoping we will let Him in so He can begin to chip away at the wall we have meticulously built.
Where did things go awry? What are we to do when we know that offense will come? (Prov. 18:19). I believe we can find peace in Proverbs 4:23:
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
for everything you do flows from it.
God’s word says to guard our hearts not build forts imprisoning ourselves into a life of isolation. I asked a good friend of our family, Chris Ferris of the United States Army what did the military consider a guard to do? To my question this is what he replied:
1. "Guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved."
This is great insight. We need to stay within our own limits when it comes to our hearts. I like to say, “stay in our own yards.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 instructs us to “mind our own business.” Then there is “when properly relieved,” to which Philippians 4:7 comes to mind. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Did you catch that? God is going to guard your heart. Praise Jesus!! We have been properly relieved!!
2. "Obey my special orders and perform all my duties in a military manner."
God has given us special orders through His Word in the form of commands. We seek to preform them in a godly manner, one that reflects Christ and thus pleases God.
3. "Report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the Commander of the Relief."
This is a big key to demolishing our wall and any further construction. Report it to our Commander and not take it into our own hands. God is our vindicator. (Psalm 135:14). Can I get an AMEN! He will see that our hearts are healed and our troubles are paid back double. (Job 42:10).
Did you hear that? It is the knocking of our Lord Jesus Christ standing at the door with pickaxe in hand,hard hat on, ready to embrace your broken heart. Will you let Him in? You have nothing to loose but bricks and mortar while the most loving relationship you can ever experience to gain.
