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
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
categories
All
published
January 2019
Check out more: |