Many of us build thick walls around us because of years of hurt and painful experiences. We are trying to protect ourselves from more hurt, anger and insecurity. It is just “safer” that way. We build these walls brick by brick and fill the gaps in with bitterness and unforgiveness. One day, we realize that we have isolated ourselves and the joy of life is sitting outside of “our safe space”. Depression can become the cover of this space and we have not left ourselves a way out of it.
Is that you? Do you feel you are fine and content, but are realizing that your life has become closed in and complacent? Maybe you see through the cracks of the “bricks” of your wall and wish you could step out into the light again. Maybe there is a lot of fear and/or anxiety about how to even begin to take your wall down. “What if I am rejected again?” “What will happen if I fail?”
“Change can be difficult especially if we have had the same patterns and habits for a long time. It takes one step at a time, making strong efforts to change. It can be freeing and exciting when we finally realize we did it!” The day God brought you to this earth as a little baby, you were not born to have these insecurities. All the experiences you have had in your life have molded you into who you are today. You may never forget them, but they don’t have to have power over you anymore.” – excerpts from “Chained No More…A Journey of Healing for Adult Children of Divorce/Childhood Brokenness”
Take some time to evaluate the walls of protection you have built around you. These are not mere healthy boundaries, but thick walls. Now, explore why you have built them. Think about the power others’ words and actions have over you and have caused you to isolate.
Can you begin to take at least one layer of that wall down and come toward a place of forgiveness? How about another layer of bricks and making a small gesture toward those who have hurt you?
God calls for us to forgive (not forget) and the enemy calls for us to hold grudges. God calls for us to allow Him to heal our hearts and break our walls down and the enemy gives us more bricks and mortar to build an even higher wall. God wants us to be free and the enemy wants us to be buried in self-pity and bitterness. Who do you choose?
First step? Ask the Lord God to guide you to His freedom and joy. What are you waiting for?! You can’t change anyone else, but you sure can be changed by renewing your mind in Christ and the truth of the Word of God.
“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Beginning today, begin to take your walls down, brick by brick, to reveal a world of freedom and joy. It is waiting for you just beyond that ugly wall.
#chainednomore #hope #freedom #godslove #isolation