Why trying to lock the door against stress is not the answer
By Dean Collins
My guess is that most of us lock doors routinely without giving much thought to the process. We also likely feel little emotion when we shut the door and lock it. On the other hand, if you believe someone is after you, getting behind the door and locking it might give you at least some temporary sense of security. (Not to scare you, but if someone really wants in your locked house or office, they probably can get in even if the door is locked and the alarm is set. It might be noisy, but knocking down a door is not that hard.)
In the late winter and early spring of 2020, we all experienced a lockdown. We might feel safe behind a locked door that we volunteered to lock. However, I imagine that when we first learned of the lockdown it actually stirred some fear, mostly because there were so many unknowns. It also was a first for most of us. In a land where we have such great freedom, being told we are restricted in some way stirred both anxiety and resentment. No one likes to lose their freedom.
Filled with peace
The disciples learned that even when you lock yourself in because of fear, there is no barrier or lock that keeps Jesus from invading your space and filling you with his peace.
It happened on Easter. It wasn’t when Mary Magdalene found the stone removed in the early morning. It didn’t happen when Peter and John came and verified the tomb was empty. It was not even when Mary thought she had seen the gardener but then heard the voice of Jesus and saw him standing in front of her. It happened later that day in the evening. The disciples had all gone home and were locked in because they feared the consequences that might come from the Jewish leaders or the Romans. And it happened suddenly.
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” I wish we had a picture of the faces of the disciples in that moment! There was no knock, no Samson-like strength breaking down the door. There was only Jesus, and only Jesus brought them peace.
Bound by stress
I don’t know about your situation. But in my life, I often experience significant stress. There are times I feel like I am locked in, locked out, and locked down. And in moments like these, there is only one who can bring me peace. I have never seen him in the flesh, but I have felt his presence time and time again.
I will confess this as one who leads a Christian nonprofit university: It is one thing to have a commitment for a financial gift, and it is another to have the gift in the bank. As much as I love and trust the donor to honor their commitment, it is different when you have the donation in hand. You might experience the same thing in business when someone signs the contract versus you getting the payment for the product or service you provide.
Living by faith
Living by faith is learning to trust that the God you cannot see but know lives in your heart keeps every promise of his Word. He is our peace, and he gives us peace. The enemy will try to steal our peace. He will tempt us to lock in lies and lock out our faith. But Jesus can and will break through every mental barrier when we simply come to him and ask him for his peace and assurance. He is faithful.
John assured us of our faithful Jesus and the promised help that would come from the Holy Spirit. I pray that whatever you need today, God will meet you with inexplicable peace. It is unexplainable from the world’s definitions, but generously provided by Jesus.
Trust him today to meet every need.
Your time with God’s Word
John 20:19-23; 3:34; 7:38-39; 14:14-17 ESV
Photo by Sheldon Kennedy on Unsplash
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