Over the past years, we have completed some household renovations. We had to give the builders access for the work to be completed. It took a lot of trusts to feel comfortable with having builders in our home, mainly because we could not supervise the renovations while at work. My husband and I had to trust that the builders would complete the job like they said they would and that they would take care of our property throughout the process.
The builder needed access to our property to be able to renovate it. In the process, we had to live in upheaval and inconvenience for a while before achieving the desired result of a refurbished home.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV).
Hearts can be like homes. They are where God resides. Therefore, when we become Christians, we choose to give God access to our hearts inviting Him into our innermost thoughts, emotions, and will.
However, our hearts are vulnerable because they can quickly close off access to God. The heart’s wounds, such as grief, disappointment, despair, anger, bitterness, and resentment, can block intimacy with God. Sin blocks a relationship with God and can deny Him access to our hearts. King David discovered that when he slept with Bathsheba, he lost his closeness with God and therefore prayed to God to ask Him to create a clean heart within him to restore his access to God.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, ESV)
Closeness with Father God begins when we let Him access the vulnerable places of our hearts to uncover any wrong beliefs. Sometimes we may be afraid of allowing Heavenly Father into our hearts, which may prevent us from drawing closer to Him. If you dare to face fear and learn to trust in God more deeply, a pearl awaits (like a fully refurbished home). A refurbished heart brings much freedom, love, and joy to your life, enabling intimacy and closeness with God.
This journey may seem impossible. It may feel difficult to allow God such access; however, if you pour your heart out to God, He will give you the resources, the people, the strength, and everything you need to face the underlying issues in your life and see this journey through. He promises never to leave or forsake you, as He says in Deuteronomy 31:6-8. He will not let you down and will lavish His love upon you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to let You into the parts of my life where I am afraid to give You access. I admit I have been holding on to them, as I am so scared to provide you full access. I repent of not fully opening the door of my heart to You and ask Your forgiveness in Jesus’ name. I now choose to open the door for You to come in fully. Amen!