By Andrea Merrell
I watched as the woman gripped the back of the pew in front of her. Her eyes slid shut, and she didn’t bother to wipe the tears that dripped from her face.
It was obvious—at least to me—that the pastor’s message was having a tremendous impact on the tender hearts that filled the sanctuary. This woman was no exception. But she stood rooted to her spot, ignoring the impassioned plea for folks to come forward for prayer. My heart broke for her as I wondered what was causing her such pain.
The pastor’s question that morning was, “Is the lock jammed or broken on the door to your heart?” He went on to explain some of the reasons that we either can’t or won’t open the door when the Lord knocks. He talked about personal issues that keep us hiding behind the closed door. He explained how we cower in the dark, afraid to open the door and let the light expose our sin and rebellion. He reminded us how we work hard to keep the door locked with deadbolts of anger, resentment, bitterness, pride, shame, and condemnation. He even suggested that some people have a revolving door on their heart, thinking that Jesus comes and goes at will.
The truth is, Jesus knows what’s waiting behind that door before He ever knocks. He waits patiently for us to throw open the door so He can come in and cleanse our heart. He wants to fill it with every good and perfect gift heaven has to offer. When Jesus comes, He comes to stay, and He tells us He will never leave. That’s a promise we can count on.
How about you? Have situations and circumstances caused you to lock the door and hide? If so, don’t be afraid. Jesus is waiting patiently outside the door of your heart. Throw the door open and run into His arms. He will dispel your doubts, calm your fears, and restore your joy and peace.
Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Tuomas_Lehtinen/lekkyjustdoit.)
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