Have you ever unwittingly locked your keys in your car and were unable to open the doors and drive away? There may not be a more frustrating and humiliating moment than that discovery that in your haste and oversight, the keys to unlock the car are inside.
Whenever I have had such a misfortunate episode, it seems to be when I am in a hurry and the delay that is the result creates difficulties for me. It becomes impossible to be where I am scheduled to be and to meet with the people that are waiting on me. My anxiety and frustration increase. It is natural to worry about the ensuing problems that will arise because I cannot travel or move. On top of it all, I have to determine how I can unlock the car without damaging the windows or doors or triggering the alarm system with no one to stop the noise.
God has designed our hearts to be unlocked. Paul states in Ephesians that we are "to live through love in God's presence (Eph 1.4)." God desires that we open our hearts and receive the love offered to us in Jesus, our savior, and return that love to God, as well as share it with the world around us. This is only possible when our hearts have been unlocked and we become receptive to our Heavenly Father.
If we ignore God's grace and mercy and our hearts remain stubborn, defiant and locked, then the blessings that follow if we would "live through love in God's presence" are missing. Like the paralysis that overtakes someone whose keys are locked in a car, it becomes difficult to move through life with the hope and peace God promises. Frustration, anxiety and fear can increasingly shape a person's outlook and perspective. Our lives can bear the wounds and damages of destructive and harmful decisions.
Remember how Jesus said that he stands at the door and knocks (Rev 3.20). If the door of our heart is opened, Jesus offers the refreshment, peace and joy of a relationship with him. Like the locks of your car, the key is in your hand.
Whenever I have had such a misfortunate episode, it seems to be when I am in a hurry and the delay that is the result creates difficulties for me. It becomes impossible to be where I am scheduled to be and to meet with the people that are waiting on me. My anxiety and frustration increase. It is natural to worry about the ensuing problems that will arise because I cannot travel or move. On top of it all, I have to determine how I can unlock the car without damaging the windows or doors or triggering the alarm system with no one to stop the noise.
God has designed our hearts to be unlocked. Paul states in Ephesians that we are "to live through love in God's presence (Eph 1.4)." God desires that we open our hearts and receive the love offered to us in Jesus, our savior, and return that love to God, as well as share it with the world around us. This is only possible when our hearts have been unlocked and we become receptive to our Heavenly Father.
If we ignore God's grace and mercy and our hearts remain stubborn, defiant and locked, then the blessings that follow if we would "live through love in God's presence" are missing. Like the paralysis that overtakes someone whose keys are locked in a car, it becomes difficult to move through life with the hope and peace God promises. Frustration, anxiety and fear can increasingly shape a person's outlook and perspective. Our lives can bear the wounds and damages of destructive and harmful decisions.
Remember how Jesus said that he stands at the door and knocks (Rev 3.20). If the door of our heart is opened, Jesus offers the refreshment, peace and joy of a relationship with him. Like the locks of your car, the key is in your hand.
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