living without walls

I certainly don't leave my house
or car unlocked.

And I'm often shocked
when I see a car running
outside a store…
with no driver, or passenger inside.

In today's world,
things just aren't safe
left open,
unlocked,
unprotected.

Sadly, too often
someone will
simply pick up
what is left unattended…
unguarded.

So today's verse
really struck my heart...

If I lack self-control,
it's as if,
I am a city
broken into
and without walls.

Is it possible to leave myself...
wide open,
vulnerable,
lacking shelter
and protection
like a city with broken walls;
a city exposed?

Cities of old would be
certain to build walls
high and thick...
for a lookout
to stand guard,
to defend,
as a barrier,
of protection;
A strong shelter,
for privacy.
and safety.

Such walls were
painstakingly built
of earth,
stone,
iron.

Walls would
mark territory,
create borders,
set boundaries.

That would be
the type of city
I would have chosen
for my home.

Those would be
the walls
that would
cause me to rest
a bit better at night.

So I do not want to be
a city with broken walls.

But it stands to reason,
that we…
you and I,
are not totally
defenseless.
For we do HAVE walls.
Because we HAVE self-control...
at least, in some areas.

But most likely, we lack
self-control in others.
And that is where our walls are broken.
That is where we remain exposed.
Open to a world of hurt and
defenseless to the enemy.

Those are areas of our life
where he can saunter right in
uninvited…
and STEAL
what is unattended,
unguarded…
even if it is our FAITH.

Yes, our FAITH
can be stolen
from us.
Snatched...
as we look the other way
distracted,
lacking self-control.

But that is not the way
our Lord has planned
for us to live.

Rather, He longs for us to
live at peace,
sheltered and safe.
In that city of walls
where we will rest well at night.

He gives us wisdom in His word
to guard our hearts and minds,
to lead us with His protection.

So how do I find my weakness...
the broken sections of my wall?

What areas of my life
do I need to consider
that may be lacking in self-control?

Should I consider...
Time management
Diet & Exercise
Parenting
Balancing Work & Home
Ambitions, Goals, Dreams
Emotion & Attitude
Relationships
Budget & Finance
Spiritual Devotion

There are simply too many areas
to possibly name them all.

But it is best to not try to repair
the whole city in one day.

We do not have
that kind of manpower
within our own strength.

So choose one thing
as a focus.

Don't take on
the biggest problem first.

That may simply become
overwhelming
and we will get discouraged.

I have found
that if I start on the small gap
I can gain momentum,
feeling more confident
as I see progress.
Then work toward the next area.

But stick to
repairing one part
of the wall
at a time.

And then decide,
am I...
willing to admit
weakness?

Am I willing to make a change,
to give more effort?

Because looking for a weakness
will remove comfort
and cause us to stretch.

But if we are willing to identify it
we can turn that over to God.

Because SELF-CONTROL
is the ninth Fruit of the Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit is
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience,
Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and SELF-CONTROL,
against such things, there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

It is a gift given by God,
from the Holy Spirit.
it is not something
that we can attain
in our own strength.

However, it does take...
a determined will,
a set mind,
a plan for the day
for success in that area.

But then when the challenges come,
it takes FAITH in God to finish.

Let Him help you build up
and repair the wall today.

Let Him be your protection.
Let Him complete you.
Trust in Him to fill you with
the Spirit of SELF-CONTROL.

And then KNOW that He will
not let you stand defenseless
with broken walls
open to an enemy...
unprotected.

Because you are putting
your faith in Him, today.

Word of God
train me, today...
to make honest assessments
of the broken places in my city wall today.
to rely on Your strength to build self-control
​in this area, trusting You as my protector and guide.

I love you, Lord;
You are my strength.
The Lord is my rock,
my fortress, and my Savior;
my God is my rock,
in whom I find protection.
He is my shield,
the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
I called on the Lord,
who is worthy of praise,
and He saved me
​from my enemies.
Psalm 18:1-3