A Fortified Heart

Day 39

I decided to reread the entire story of Jericho today. It always thrills me when I read a familiar story and discover an unfamiliar truth.

Each day as the Israelites marched around Jericho, they followed the ark of the covenant. The ark represented the covenant LORD’s presence. Yes, they followed it but they also protected it. The priest carried the ark, armed guards lead the priests as well as followed the priests.

The Israelites were in control in a potential out-of-control situation because they were surrendered to God. I see through the Israelites example that we are most in control of our emotions when God is in control of us. Not like a robot but rather willful submission. He is most in control when we are following Him and when we protect His presence in our life. Too often in our hurry-up world we get ahead of God. We move forward with our agenda and timetable because the “seven-day” waiting period is too long. Instead of abiding in, we shun His active, guiding, and wise presence.

By following and protecting the presence of the LORD the walls of Jericho fell. The same can be true of the Jericho sized walls around our hearts that escort us right into an out of control situation.

We fortify our hearts to protect them from rejection and pain. The walls become so thick, nothing or no one can get penetrate them, including God. Our hearts should be fortified with God truth and love not with our stubborn will and painful past.

When we fortify our heart with God not self, we are free. Free to enjoy the life we were meant to live, full of abundance, blessing, and love. We are free to be a blessing to others. We are free to love others without walls, without fear, and expectation.

Does that sound like a wonderful way to live? Oh, that I would live like this.

Dear Lord, help me to follow and protect Your presence until you say “shout” and the walls fall down. I pray I will be obedient fortifying, my heart with the freedom of your love.