Behold, He is standing behind our wall
Submitted by kristen@newmome... "Behold, he is standing behind our wall, he is looking through the windows, he is peering through the lattice." (Song of Solomon 2:9)
I know that Christ dwells within me and that I am in Him (John 14:20). Yet sometimes this reality eludes me as I keep Him standing behind "walls" that I erect. Imagine with me a vertical line drawn on a piece of paper. At the center of this line is a circle that represents my union with Christ. At each end of the line imagine that there are walls that separate me from Him. When I am living from either extreme, I am not centered in the moment, abiding in His Presence. I am living behind walls at either end in one of two ways.
The bottom end of the line represents the 'one-down' position. This is where I reside anytime I am feeling inadequate, less-than, or 'small'. Here, shame has become a "wall" between Christ and me. This barrier is what I hide behind anytime I believe the lie that I am so ‘bad' and defective that He would not want to dwell with me. I remain here in fear of exposure anytime I forget that God's love is perfect and that He sent His Son to die so that I might have communion with Him.
The top end of the line represents the 'one-up' position. Popping up into this position is a temporary 'escape' from feeling 'one-down' at the bottom. Here, arrogance, pride, and grandiosity are the "walls" separating Christ and the believer. These walls are maintained through addictions, rage, perfectionism, or a critical spirit. To stay up here requires a 'hardened' heart that refuses to be honest about what hurts. Therefore, intimacy with Christ is blocked just as much as when hiding at the 'bottom'.
Only as our heart is purified by God’s spirit can we see Him (Matthew 5:8). To the degree that we are willing to take down our barriers can we possess oneness with Christ. As Jesus heals our hearts of shame, we can allow Him to dismantle "walls". As we repent of self-protective attitudes and behaviors; we can be clothed with the garments of praise and salvation. Then we can truly abide with Him - centered and grounded in His love.
Lord Jesus, I am sorry I have kept You waiting behind walls I built over time. I am tired of feeling alone. I long to be intimate with You. Renew my mind and soften my heart. By Your Spirit I will "put off" shame and pride and "put on" the garments of praise and salvation whereby I can enter into Your Presence. Thank you Jesus for Your promise, "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." (John 14:20) - Amen.
© 2012 - Deborah Tyrrell - All Rights Reserved - Feel free to share using the Sharing Functions below. Thank you!
I know that Christ dwells within me and that I am in Him (John 14:20). Yet sometimes this reality eludes me as I keep Him standing behind "walls" that I erect. Imagine with me a vertical line drawn on a piece of paper. At the center of this line is a circle that represents my union with Christ. At each end of the line imagine that there are walls that separate me from Him. When I am living from either extreme, I am not centered in the moment, abiding in His Presence. I am living behind walls at either end in one of two ways.
The bottom end of the line represents the 'one-down' position. This is where I reside anytime I am feeling inadequate, less-than, or 'small'. Here, shame has become a "wall" between Christ and me. This barrier is what I hide behind anytime I believe the lie that I am so ‘bad' and defective that He would not want to dwell with me. I remain here in fear of exposure anytime I forget that God's love is perfect and that He sent His Son to die so that I might have communion with Him.
The top end of the line represents the 'one-up' position. Popping up into this position is a temporary 'escape' from feeling 'one-down' at the bottom. Here, arrogance, pride, and grandiosity are the "walls" separating Christ and the believer. These walls are maintained through addictions, rage, perfectionism, or a critical spirit. To stay up here requires a 'hardened' heart that refuses to be honest about what hurts. Therefore, intimacy with Christ is blocked just as much as when hiding at the 'bottom'.
Only as our heart is purified by God’s spirit can we see Him (Matthew 5:8). To the degree that we are willing to take down our barriers can we possess oneness with Christ. As Jesus heals our hearts of shame, we can allow Him to dismantle "walls". As we repent of self-protective attitudes and behaviors; we can be clothed with the garments of praise and salvation. Then we can truly abide with Him - centered and grounded in His love.
Lord Jesus, I am sorry I have kept You waiting behind walls I built over time. I am tired of feeling alone. I long to be intimate with You. Renew my mind and soften my heart. By Your Spirit I will "put off" shame and pride and "put on" the garments of praise and salvation whereby I can enter into Your Presence. Thank you Jesus for Your promise, "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." (John 14:20) - Amen.
© 2012 - Deborah Tyrrell - All Rights Reserved - Feel free to share using the Sharing Functions below. Thank you!