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October 26, 2007

God Wants to be the Protector of Your Heart

by Shana Schutte

When my grandfather passed away, my sister and I stood at the end of his hospital bed holding hands. I marveled at life and death and the God of both. I've also never witnessed something so painful as watching a loved one pass into glory. But it was also a moment of great thanksgiving. I thanked God that Grandpa came to know Christ only a few years before, that my Grandma always loved Grandpa, and I thanked God that my heart hurt.

I was in awe that I could ache like I did, and I was glad. Why? Because I knew it meant I wasn't just breathing in and out; my pain revealed I had the capacity to love.

I have felt the alternative, a hardness of heart, and wondered some days if I was dead or alive--but I always knew I wasn't free. Hardness of heart--a result of being deeply wounded by someone--causes numbness which makes it difficult to feel pain, joy or to love deeply. In short, it robs life.

We often spend too much time trying to protect ourselves from emotional pain, but rarely consider the positive side of our wounds--they're a sign we can love. This is something to rejoice about! The heart that never hurts, never extends itself and therefore never experiences fullness in relationships that God intended.

Years ago, a young woman went to the front of my church for prayer. I felt inclined to intercede on her behalf, so I wrapped my arms around her and asked for wisdom. Immediately, God showed me a picture of a heart with a wall around it. I prayed out loud and asked that she would allow Him to be the Protector of her emotions. I knew I'd heard from Him when tears flowed from her eyes.

In Hebrews 3:7-4:7, God warns the Israelites three times not to harden their hearts. If you are a parent, you know that the instructions you repeat most often are those that are most important. God isn't any different. He warns us not to harden our hearts for our own good.

If you've lived with a hardened heart, you know that it's not the answer to healing what hurt you. Maybe you've thought it's not the optimal way to live but it sure beats the pain you went through in the past, right? Hardening our hearts is spiritual and emotional bondage--a bandaid at best. We can be freed from it when we trust Him with our fears, and allow Him to uncover the lies and agreements we've made with Satan that have driven us toward self-protection.

Do you need to allow God to be the Protector of your heart in friendships, romance, or in relationship with your family? If so, I encourage you to cry out to God and tell Him you want to be set free. I promise He is faithful and what He has done for me, He will do for you. If may take time, but He wants to heal your wounds.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

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