WALLS

I like this quote.

“The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.”

J Rohr

Joy comes from the Lord, often through our relationships to other people. The Apostle Paul wrote,

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? …For ye are our glory and joy.” (1Thes. 2:19-20)

Although the Lord is the source of joy, God often uses people to deliver HIS JOY into our lives. It is true that relationships can be a source of sadness and hurt; yet without them, we cannot hope to experience joy or the fulfillment of completing the mission God has given to each of us. However, the walls we build to keep people out have the unfortunate side effect of keeping the Joy of the Lord out as well.

His mission and ours are always about people and relationships. We must “risk” some sadness and hurt in order to reap the greater benefits of Joy and fulfillment.

UNSEEN EYES

Think about a time when you were doing something that you knew to be wrong. Do you remember the paranoia, the overwhelming dread felt during that time? Can you recall how every little creak was magnified, every shadow a spy, and the feeling that at every window an unseen eye may be watching! When looking at something you should not, even a familiar and friendly voice alarms. You find yourself running from shadows and startled by every little noise.

 “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)

On the other hand, when you are doing the right things you enjoy an inherent peacefulness. There is no feeling of dread or anxiety over someone seeing. In fact, you generally experience a sense of security even if you do not recognize it and are emboldened and often excited when someone does notice.

The question then is this: "What is making you uneasy or paranoid?" Is there something you are involved in that is keeping you on edge? Wouldn’t it be nice to simply relax & rest for a while? It may not be the first answer that comes to mind but doing the right thing may just heal that anxiety.